JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP * PERRY TOWNSHIP BERKS COUNTK PENNSYLVANIA

OCTOBER 7996

PREPARED BY: RETTEW ASSOCIATES, INC. in cooperation with the BERKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document was largely financed by Berks County’s Federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Berks County has established a policy for funding local planning with CDBG funds that implements the principles defined in the Berks County Comprehensive Plan Revision. A major objective is to promote joint municipal planning, intergovernmental and regional cooperation. As a result, the County initiated a Local Planning Partnership Fund, to fund the preparation of local comprehensive plans for municipalities that engage in joint planning efforts. The Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township Joint Comprehensive Plan is the fifth joint plan to be funded under this policy. The County commends municipal officials of Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, as well as the joint committee members, for their participation in this program.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

BOROUGH OF LEESPORT 0N TE LAU N EE TOWNS H I P PERRY TOWNSHIP

James DeLong Bruce Kelly Richard A. Furnanage Leroy K. Seip James R. Oesterling Ronald L. O’Neil William Yaklich Kenneth M. Stoudt Donald I. Smith

RETTEW ASSOCIATES, INC. BERKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

R. Steven Dellinger, AlCP Cheryl A. Auchenbach, Planner Ill Robert j. Lynn, PE

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESOLUTION NO. 99-97

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF LEESPORT, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TO ADOPT THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR LEESPORT BOROUGH, ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP AND PERRY TOWNSHIP, 1996.

WHEREAS, Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Planning Commission, the school districts, and the adjoining Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968, as amended municipalities for their review and comment; and by Act 170 of 1988) authorizes municipalities to prepare and adopt municipal comprehensive plans; and WHEREAS, the JointComprehensive Plan was revised to incorporate comments made by various entities, although WHEREAS, Leesport Borough authorized the the Plan was not substantially revised; and preparation of a regional comprehensive plan with Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township ; and WHEREAS, the Borough Council held a public hearing on the joint Comprehensive Plan on January 15, WHEREAS, a Joint Planning Committee, comprised of 1997 pursuant to public notice as required by the members of the Planning Commissions and Governing Municipalities Planning Code; and Bodies of the three municipalities, with the assistance of RETTEW Associates, Inc. and the Berks County Planning WHEREAS, the Borough Council desires to adopt the Commission, developed a draft of the Joint Comprehensive JointComprehensive Plan for Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Plan, conducted a public meeting on the draft plan, and Township and Perry Township, 1996, as the Comprehensive recommended to the Borough Council to adopt the same; Plan for the Borough in accordance with the provisions of and the Municipalities Planning Code.

WHEREAS, in compliance with the requirements of NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Section 302 of the Municipalities Planning Code, the Joint Council of Leesport Borough, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to the Berks County as follows:

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP )OlN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Section 1. The Borough Council adopts the Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective comprehensive plan entitled "Joint Comprehensive Plan for and be in force immediately. Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, 1996", hereinafter referred to as the "Plan", DULY ADOPTED this 15th day of January, 1997, by prepared by RETTEW Associates, Inc., last revised on the Borough Council of Leesport Borough, Berks County, October 1, 1996, as the comprehensive plan for the Pennsylvania, in lawful session duly assembled. Borough in accordance with Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Mun ici pal ities Planning Code. BOROUGH OF LEESPORT Section 2. The Plan shall include the chapters Berks County, Pennsylvania entitled Introduction, Background Studies, Commu n ity Development Goals and Objectives, The Comprehensive Plan, and Plan Implementation, and all charts, tables, By: /s/ Lawrence C. Kohler diagrams, appendices and textual matter contained therein. President Borough Council Section 3. The Plan shall include the maps entitled ii Planning Area Map, Natural Features Map, Soil Features Map, Community Facilities Map, Transportation Survey Map, Attest: /s/ Sandra L. Weiser Existing Land Use, Future Land Use Map, and Open Space, Secretary Park and Recreation Plan Map.

Section 4. Nothing in this Resolution shall be (BOROUGH SEAL) construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court, or any rights or liability incurred, or any permit issued or approval granted, or any cause or causes of action existing prior to the adoption of this Resolution.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESOLUTION NO. 1997-2

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF ONTELAUNEE, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TO ADOPT THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR LEESPORT BOROUGH, ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP AND PERRY TOWNSHIP, 1996.

WHEREAS, Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Planning Commission, the school districts, and the adjoining Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968, as amended municipalities for their review and comment; and by Act 170 of 1988) authorizes municipalities to prepare and adopt municipal comprehensive plans; and WHEREAS, the JointComprehensive Plan was revised to incorporate comments made by various entities, although WHEREAS, Ontelaunee Township authorized the the Plan was not substantially revised; and preparation of a regional comprehensive plan with Leesport Borough and Perry Township ; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the Joint Comprehensive Plan on March 13, WHEREAS, a Joint Planning Committee, comprised of 1997 pursuant to public notice as required by the members of the Planning Commissions and Governing Municipalities Planning Code; and Bodies of the three municipalities, with the assistance of RETTEW Associates, Inc. and the Berks County Planning WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to adopt Commission, developed a draft of the Joint Comprehensive the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Leesport Borough, Plan, conducted a public meeting on the draft plan, and Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, 1996, as the recommended to the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Comprehensive Plan for the Township in accordance with same; and the provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code.

WHEREAS, in compliance with the requirements of NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board Section 302 of the Municipalities Planning Code, the Joint of Supervisors of Ontelaunee Township, Berks County, Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to the Berks County Pennsylvania, as follows:

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Section 1. The Board of Supervisors adopts the Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective comprehensive plan entitled "Joint Comprehensive Plan for and be in force immediately. Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, 1996", hereinafter referred to as the "Plan", DULY ADOPTED this 13th day of March, 1997, by prepared by RETTEW Associates, Inc., last revised October, the Board of Supervisors of Ontelaunee Township, Berks 1996, as the comprehensive plan for the Township in County, Pennsylvania, in lawful session duly assembled. accordance with Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. TOWNSHIP OF ONTELAUNEE Section 2. The Plan shall include the chapters Berks County, Pennsy Ivan ia entitled Int rod uct ion, Background Stud ies, Com mun ity Development Goals and Objectives, The Comprehensive Plan, and Plan Implementation, and all charts, tables, By: /s/ lames R. Oesterlinn diagrams, appendices and textual matter contained therein. Chairman Board of Supervisors Section 3. The Plan shall include the maps entitled Planning Area Map, Natural Features Map, Soil Features Map, Community Facilities Map, Transportation Survey Map, Attest: /s/ Marlene E. Ernst Existing Land Use, Future Land Use Map, and Open Space, Secretary Park and Recreation Plan Map.

Section 4. Nothing in this Resolution shall be (TOWNSHIP SEAL) construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court, or any rights or liability incurred, or any permit issued or approval granted, or any cause or causes of action existing prior to the adoption of this Resolution.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESOLUTION NO. 12-1996

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF PERRY, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, TO ADOPT THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR LEESPORT BOROUGH, ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP AND PERRY TOWNSHIP, 1996.

WHEREAS, Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Planning Commission, the school districts, and the adjoining Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968, as amended municipalities for their review and comment; and by Act 170 of 1988) authorizes municipalities to prepare and adopt municipal comprehensive plans; and WHEREAS, the JointComprehensive Plan was revised to incorporate comments made by various entities, although WHEREAS, Perry Township authorized the the Plan was not substantially revised; and preparation of a regional comprehensive plan with Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee Township ; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the Joint Comprehensive Plan on December 2, WHEREAS, a Joint Planning Committee, comprised of 1996 pursuant to public notice as required by the members of the Planning Commissions and Governing Municipalities Planning Code; and Bodies of the three municipalities, with the assistance of RETTEW Associates, Inc. and the Berks County Planning WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors desires to adopt Commission, developed a draft of the Joint Comprehensive the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Leesport Borough, Plan, conducted a public meeting on the draft plan, and Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, 1996, as the recommended to the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Comprehensive Plan for the Township in accordance with same; and the provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code.

WHEREAS, in compliance with the requirements of NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board Section 302 of the Municipalities Planning Code, the Joint of Supervisors of Perry Township, Berks County, Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to the Berks County Pennsylvania, as follows:

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Section 1. The Board of Supervisors adopts the Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective comprehensive plan entitled "Joint Comprehensive Plan for and be in force immediately. Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township, 1996", hereinafter referred to as the "Plan", DULY ADOPTED this 2nd day of December, 1996, prepared by RETTEW Associates, Inc., last revised in by the Board of Supervisors of Perry Township, Berks October 1996, as the comprehensive plan for the Township County, Pennsylvania, in lawful session duly assembled. in accordance with Article Ill of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

Section 2. The Plan shall include the chapters PERRY TOWNSHIP entitled Introd uct ion, Background Stud ies, Commun ity BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Development Goals and Objectives, The Comprehensive 1 Plan, and Plan Implementation, and all charts, tables, diagrams, appendices and textual matter contained therein. /s/ Ronald L. O'Neil Ronald L. O'Neil, Chairman Section 3. The Plan shall include the maps entitled Planning Area Map, Natural Features Map, Soil Features /s/ Richard D. Kline Map, Community Facilities Map, Transportation Survey Map, Existing Land Use, Future Land Use Map, and Open Space, /s/ Mark W. Stitzel Park and Recreation Plan Map.

Section 4. Nothing in this Resolution shall be ATTEST: construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court, or any rights or liability incurred, or any permit issued /s/ Miriam M. Kline or approval granted, or any cause or causes of action Miriam K. Kline, Secretary existing prior to the adoption of this Resolution.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSH/P - PERRY TOWNSHIP ]O/NT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Page Number Number

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1 Historic, Archaeological and Cultural Resources (Continued) lntrod uction 1 Cultural Resources 25 The Essential Elements of a Physical Features and Natural Resources 27 Comprehensive Plan 2 Topography and Steep Slopes 27 Steps of the Planning Process 3 Drainage and Water Features 28 Scenic Rivers 29 Floodplains 30 CHAPTER 2 - BACKGROUND STUDIES 5 G eo1ogy 31 Groundwater 33 Regional Location 5 Soils 34 Demographic Analysis 6 Ecological Resources 36 Population 6 Woodlands and Forested Areas 37 Socioeconomic Characteristics 10 Community Facilities and Services 38 Housing Characteristics 16 Municipal Organization 38 Population Project ions 21 Schools 38 Historic, Archaeological and Cultural Libraries 41 Resources 22 Hospitals 41 Regional History 22 Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Historic Preservation 24 and Elderly Services 42 Archaeological Resources 25 Public Safety 43

- LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jO1 N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Page Number Number

UtiI i ties 44 Community Participation (Continued) Wastewater Facilities 44 Key Community Leaders Interviews 73 Water Supply 48 Statement of Community Objectives 73 Solid Waste Disposal 49 General Goals 74 Other Uti1ity Services 49 Specific Objectives 74 Open Space, Parks and Recreation 50 Transportation 55 Existing FaciI ities 56 CHAPTER 4 - THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 79 Roadway System Inventory 64 Proposed Roadway Improvements 64 Future Land Use Plan 79 Municipal Finances 65 Relationship of the Plan to Adjacent Existing Land Use 66 Munici pal it ies' Plann ing Activities 86 Characteristics of Existing Land Use 66 Transportation Plan 91 Land Use Conflicts 70 Proposed Roadway Improvements 92 Future Transportation Planning 103 Other Transportation Facilities 104 CHAPTER 3 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS Housing Plan 105 AND OBJECTIVES 71 Community Facilities and Utilities Plan 107 Police Protection 108 Community Participation 71 Fire Protection and Ambulance Resident's Su rvey 71 Service 108

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP .. II l0lNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Page Number Number

Community Faci Iities and UtiI ities Interrelationships Among Plan Components 12 1 Plan (Continued) School Facilities 108 Municipal Faci Iities 109 CHAPTER 5 - IMPLEMENTATION 123 Water Service 109 Sanitary Sewerage Service 109 Implementation 123 Stormwater Drainage 110 Short-Range and Long-Range Plan Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan 110 Implementation Steps 123 Natural and Cultural Features Plan 115 Participants 129 Topography 115 Priorities 130 Surface Waters 115 Ordinances and Regulations 131 Scenic Rivers 116 Capital Improvement Programming 134 Floodplains and Wetlands 116 Continuing Planning 135 Geology and Groundwater 117 Prime Farmland Soils 117 Ecological Resources 118 Woodlands and Forested Areas 118 Historic, Archaeological and Cultural Resources 118 Economic Developmen t 119 Energy Conservation 121

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP ... jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Ill TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Page Number Number

LIST OF TABLES LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED)

1 Regional Population Growth Comparisons 7 15 Historic Areas 26 2 Population Growth 1950 - 1990 8 16 Publicly and Privately-Owned Recreation Land 3 Percent of Population by Age Group - 1990 9 in the Planning Area 53 4 Gender and Race Characteristics - 1990 11 17 School District Recreational Facilities 54 '5 Income and Poverty Levels - 1990 12 18 Functional Classifications 59 6 Comparative Educational Levels - 1990 12 19 Existing Land Use 69 7 Employed Persons 16 Years and Over by Type of industry - 1990 13 8 Labor Force Status - Persons 16 Years Follows and Over - 1990 14 Page Number 9 Percentage of Employed Persons 16 Years LIST OF MAPS and Over by Class of Worker - 1990 15 10 Housing Types in the Planning Area, County 1 Planning Area Map 6 and State in 1990 16 2 Natural Features Map 28 11 Housing information - 1990 18 3 Soil Features Map 34 12 1990 Structural and Vacancy Characteristics 19 4 Community Facilities Map 38 13 Housing Units with Average of More than One 5 Transportation Survey Map 56 Person per Room - 1990 20 6 Existing Land Use Map 66 14 Planning Area Population Projections 7 Future Land Use Map 80 1990 - 2010 21 8 Open Space, Park and Recreation Plan Map 110

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IV jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 1 IN TRODUCT10 N

INTRODUCTION may use this Plan as a reference resource. Additionally, the Joint Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide a level of A comprehensive plan is an expression of good community certainty and stability for local neighborhoods, which sense and forethought. Comprehensive planning illustrates directly affect people in personal and physical ways. For a a community's interest in current and future events both healthy community to prosper, people need reassurance that within and beyond its boundaries, and is also a their environment will maintain its "sense of place". For demonstration of civic pride because it represents substantial example, the stability and compatibility of surrounding land efforts and funds invested by residents and public officials uses are crucial issues to the owner of a single-family home. in developing the means to protect and preserve significant Also, farmers require assurance that their way of life will not features of the community while addressing the inevitable be subject to unnecessary restrictions as a result of nearby consequences of growth, development and an increasing changes in land use. Prospective developers, additionally, population. Essentially, a Comprehensive Plan evaluates must be able to plan for ai project using clear and explicit resources (both physical and social), identifies goals and regulations. A secure investment and business climate must obiectives, then develoos implementation strategies to meet be maintained through reasonable adherence to the these goals and allocate resources. This Joint comprehensive plan. Comprehensive Plan has been prepared to help local officials administer their respective municipality's land use This Plan does not intend to prevent growth. By nature, it planning program, based on objective data and clear goals. encourages we1 t-planned and appropriate growth, while striving for a balance between conflicting or competing This Plan is also a compilation of data (both background interests. Arriving at such a balance is no simple task. information and future projections) which support policy Many residents, landowners and officials have contributed goals and specific regulations. Officials from Leesport to the creation of this Plan. The Plan is an attempt to Borough, Ontelaunee Township, Perry Township and other provide acceptable levels of satisfaction to different groups government agencies, prospective residents, and businesses while conforming to the regulations established in the

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). land use proposed for residence, industry, business, agriculture, major traffic and transit facilities, utilities, This Plan is not a "one time", static document; it is intended community facilities, public grounds, parks and to be flexible and accommodate inevitable changes and recreation, preservation of prime agricultural lands, allow appropriate responses to unforeseen events. It should flood plains and other areas of special hazards and be a dynamic and evolving tool that must be periodically other similar uses; reviewed and revised so that it may continue to guide the Planning Area municipalities into the Twenty-first Century. 3. A plan to meet the housing needs of present residents and of those individuals and families anticipated to reside in the municipality, which may THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OFA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN include conservation of presently sound housing, rehabilitation of housing in declining neighborhoods Eight related basic elements are included in the and the accommodation of expected new housing in comprehensive plan, as required by the Pennsylvania different dwelling types and at appropriate densities Municipalities Planning Code (Act 1 70 of 1988, as for households of all income levels; amended). The basic elements are as follows: 4. A plan for movement of people and goods, which 1. A statement of objectives of the municipality, may include expressways, highways, local street concerning its future development, including, but not systems, parking facilities, pedestrian and bikeway limited to, the location, character and timing of systems, public transit routes, terminals, airfields, future development; port facilities, railroad facilities, and other similar facilities or uses; 2. A plan for land use, which may include provisions for the amount, intensity, character and timing of

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 2 l0lNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7 IN TR0 D U CTION

5. A plan for community facilities and utilities, which development and plans in contiguous municipalities, may include public and private education, to the objectives and plans for development in the recreation, municipal buildings, fire and police county of which it is a part, and to regional trends. stations, libraries, hospitals, water supply and distribution, sewerage and waste treatment, solid waste management, storm drainage, flood plain STEPS OF THE PLANNING PROCESS management, utility corridors and associated facilities, and other similar facilities or uses; There are four major steps required in the process of producing a comprehensive plan: (1) the survey and 6. A statement of the interrelationships among the analysis of existing conditions and trends, (2) the various plan components, which may include an determination of policies and goals, (3) the combining of estimate of the environmental, energy conservation, existing conditions and goals into a comprehensive plan, fiscal, economic development and social and (4)the implementation of the policies and proposals of consequences on the municipality; the comprehensive plan.

7. A discussion of short- and long-range plan 1. Community Inventory and Analysis. The initial step implementation strategies, which may include in any planning process is to review a wide range of implications for capital improvements programming, existing conditions. This survey and analysis of new or updated development regulations, and the existing conditions will provide the information on identification of public funds potentially available; which policies and the plan are based.

8. A statement indicating the relationship of the 2. Policy Determinants. The identification of each existing and proposed development of the municipality’s desired role within Berks County and municipality to the existing and proposed the determination of policies which best carry out

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP /OINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 3 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

this role are the heart of the plan. Whereas the Third, through the plan, the Planning Area survey and analysis and comprehensive plan stages municipalities will be able to present a clear picture can be accomplished largely through professional of their long range and general policies of planning assistance, there is no way in which policy development to all outside persons concerned with determination can be made by other than the the area’s development. Fourth, the comprehensive municipality itself and still consider the Plan to be a plan will help educate all who read it regarding useful local document. existing conditions, problems and opportunities; the possibilities of the future; the present status and 3. Comprehensive Plan. A comprehensive plan projected future trends; and the policy of combines the information gained during the survey government with respect to physical development. and analysis with the policies established in the policy determination step. The uses of a 4. Implementation. The final and critical step is the comprehensive plan are several. First and foremost, process of carrying out the policies and proposals the comprehensive plan provides a means for setting contained in the plan. Unfortunately, forth a unified group of general proposals for the implementation cannot be accomplished by a single physical development of the Planning Area. Second, act or in a single document. It is a continuous series after adoption, the plan will enable the municipal of individual private actions, which must be Governing Body (Borough Council or Township monitored by responsible public agencies, and Board of Supervisors), Planning Commission and the public action initiated when feasible and timely. general public to review current issues and proposals The success of such efforts will require the against a clear picture of what has been decided as cooperation of Planning Area residents and the the most desirable plan for the future physical coordinated efforts of its public officials and development and character of the Planning Area. agencies.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 4 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

REGIONAL LOCATION Significant natural features include the Schuylkill River, Maiden Creek and Lake Ontelaunee. The Route 61 corridor The Joint Comprehensive Planning Area is located in the has been the focus of most of the historic development northcentral portion of Berks County and is comprised of activity in the Planning Area, with areas to the east of the Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry corridor remaining in ruraVagricultura1 uses. Township. Municipalities which abut the Planning Area include the following:

Muhlenberg Township Maidencreek Township Richmond Township Greenwich Township W indsor Township Tilden Township Shoemakersville Borough Centre Township Bern Township

The Planning Area is strategically located with respect to major highway transportation facilities, including PA. Route 61, Interstate 78, U.S. Route 222, and SR. 3055, as well as being serviced by rail and located in close proximity to the Reading Municipal Airport. (See Map 1).

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP /OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PlAN 5 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO UN D STUDIES

DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS over the decade - with increases ranging from 7.33 percent in Richmond Township to 42.91 percent in Maidencreek In order to prepare and follow guidelines for future land Township. use, as well as goals involving the physical, economic, and social environment of the Planning Area, it is crucial to have Table 2 details the historic populations of each of the three an understanding of its population as well as its population Planning Area municipalities, the County and the State since characteristics. For example, future residential , ind ust r ial, 1950. The population of Leesport Borough increased commercial, recreational, and other developments require significantly (1 12.7%) between 1950 and 1960. This was different amounts and types of land. Each of these due to the annexation of Leesport Village (then a part of developments are related to the level and type of population Ontelaunee Township) by West Leesport Borough. After it must serve. minimal growth in the following decade, the Borough experienced a moderate increase (8.6%) between 1970 and 1980. During the most recent decade, the Borough's POPULATION population again increased significantly, (by 567 people, or 45.1 percent), due primarily to the construction of Leesport In recent years, the three Planning Area municipalities Gardens. The population of Ontelaunee Township has experienced varied growth when compared to many of their experienced major fluctuations in the last four decades. As neighbors, as well as Berks County as a whole. Table 1 a result of the Leesport Village annexation, the Township's provides a comparison of the three municipalities to all of population decreased by 404 people, between 1950 and their neighbors over the 1980 to 1990 time frame. As can 1960. be seen in the table, Leesport Borough experienced the largest percentage increase (45.1 %) of the area municipalities. Most of the adjacent townships experienced greater increases in population than Ontelaunee or Perry

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 6 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 1 LEESPORT BOROUGH 4 I RETI'EW 1 ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP I 1 - PLANNING AREA MAP PERRY TOWNSHIP 1 I 1 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PIAN Mapping Data Source : BehCounty Mapping Department rand consultant suweys CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

BERKS COUNTY 312,497 336,523 24,014 7.68

Bern TownshiD 5.097 6.303 1,206 23.66 11 Centre Township I 2,329 I 3,154 I 825 I 35.42 G reen w ic h Township 2,432 2,977 545 22.41

Leesport Borough 1,258 1,825' 567' 45.07

Maidencreek Township 2,377 3,397 1,020 42.91

Muhlen berg Township 1 3,03 1 12,636 - 395 - 3.03

Ontelaunee Township 1,408 1,359 - 49 - 3.48

~~ Perry Township 2,420 2,5 16 96 3.97

Richmond Township 3,204 3,439 235 7.33

Shoemakersville Borough 1,391 1,443 52 3.74

Tilden Township 2,247 2,622 3 75 16.69

~ ~~ Windsor Township 2,199 2,101 - 98 - 4.46

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

' Adjusted total Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

that of Ontelaunee Township is considerably older (median A review of the age characteristics of the Planning Area age of 39.1 years versus 35.4 and 35.1, respectively). provides insight into which age groupings will be dominant Ontelaunee Township has a lower proportion of its in the future. Table 3 compares the age composition of the population under 25 years of age than either of the other three municipalities with that of Berks County and two Planning Area municipalities, the County or the State. Pennsylvania as a whole. A review of Table 3 reveals that Perry Township has a much lower proportion of its while the population of the Borough is younger than both population 65 years old and above (approximately 11 Berks County and Pennsylvania as a whole, the population percent), than the fifteen (1 5) percent share seen in the four of Perry Township is close to the Countyhtate average, and other jurisdictions.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP a lOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PIXN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

0-4 I 96 I 7.6% I 58 I 4.3% I 147 I 5.9% 6.7% 6.7%

~- ~ 5-1 7 296 1 6.2 '10 179 13.2% 469 1 8.701~ 16.6% I 14.2% 11

18-24 116 9.1 OIO 137 10.1% 216 8.6% 12.9%

25-34 265 2O.8% 22 1 16.2% 402 lS.9% 16.1% 16.4'10

35-44 169 12.9 '10 193 14.2% 42 1 16.8% 14.7% 14.6%

45-54 104 8.2% 201 14.7% 353 14.0% 10.2% 10.3%

55-64 124 9.8% 160 11.7% 224 8.9% 9.9% 9.8%

65-74 108 8.5% 142 10.4% 188 7.5% 9.6% 9.1 OIO

~ ~~ 75 + 82 6.5% 68 5.0% 96 3.8% 6.8% 6.3%

Median Age 33.3 39.1 35.6

' Note: Unadjusted statistics (I Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Table 4 provides information on gender and race both the County and State averages. The household incomes characteristics of the Planning Area municipalities in 1990. in the two townships are significantly higher. The As can be seen from the table, Leesport Boroughs ratio of percentage of total Planning Area families living below the males to females in 1990 was comparable to that of the poverty level in 1989 was less than that of both the State County and State overall - which both had a greater overall and Berks County. proportion of females in their populations. Both Townships, however, exhibited the opposite characteristic. . In 1990, the percentage of Planning Area residents in each municipality who were high school graduates was lower Table 4 also shows that all three municipalities contain than that of the State overall (See Table 6). Only Leesport extremely low minority populations when compared to the Borough exceeded the Berks County percentage. The County and State percentages (99.4, 97.5 and 99.2 percent, percentage of college graduates living in the Planning Area compared to 93.5 percent for the County and 88.5 percent was also considerably lower than that of both the County for the State). The 1990 U.S. Census identified a much and the State overall. larger percentage of the population of Hispanic Origin in

Ontelaunee Township (5.1 Oh) than in Leesport Borough or An analysis of the number of Planning Area residents who Perry Township. are gainfully employed, along with the types of occupations in which they are employed, provides additional useful information for planning purposes. Tables 7, 8 and 9 SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS provide comparisons of the three municipalities to Berks County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the areas In the planning for a community, it is also important to of (1) categories of employment by type of industry in 1990, understand the economic conditions in the community. As (2) percentage of the 16-year and over population that is can be seen in Table 5, all three Planning Area employed, and (3) percentage composition of the work force municipalities' households have higher income levels than by gender and selected classes of workers.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHlP - PERRY TOWNSHlP 10 )OlNT COMPREHENSlVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO UND STUDIES

Male 61 7 48.6 '10 705 51 .9% 1,294 51 .4% 48.3 '/a 47.9 'la

Female 653 5 1.4% 654 48.1 '10 1,222 48.6 "la 51 .7% 52.1 'la

Race

White 1,263 99.4% 1,325 97.5% 2,496 99.2% 93 .5 'la 88.5 "la

Black 4 0.3% 8 0.6% 5 0.2% 3.0% 9.2 'lo

American 0 0VO 9 0.7% 1 0.1 "la 0.1 'la 0.1 Yo Indian, etc

Asian, etc 2 0.2% 2 0.1 9 0.4% 0.8% 1.2 "la

Other 1 0.1 'la 15 1. 1 'la 5 0.2% 2.6% 1.O 'la Race

Hispanic 15 1.2% 69 5.1 OIO 37 1 .5 'la 5.1 OIo 2.0 'la Origin

' Note: Unadjusted statistics Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 11 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

1989 Per Capita Income $ 14,286 $ 15,922 $ 13,065 $ 14,604 $ 14,068

1989 Median Household Income $ 33,214 $ 35,670 $ 37,163 $ 32,048 $ 29,069

Percentage of Families below 1989 Poverty Level 1 .6% 2.6% 4.0% 5.2% 8.2 'lo

Note: Unadjusted statistics ISource:' U.S. Deoartment of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 12 IOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Agriculture, etc. 2.5% 5.3% 6.5% 2.4% 1 .8%

~~~~ Construction, 3.9% 5.0% 2.7% 6.1 % 6.7% mining I ~~ I I 1 I Manufacturing 32.3% 33.2 % 34.5 % 2 8.4 % 20.0%

Transportation, 5.8% a.ooto 8.7% 5.5% 6.9% communications

Retail and 25.6% 20.9 % 21.8% 21 .5% wholesale trade I I 23.9 I I I Finance, etc I 5.2% I 5.8% I 3.6% I 6.2% I 6.5% Services 2 2.6 % 16.9% 22.1 % 27.6% 32.6%

Public 2.1 % 1 .9% 1 .l % 1.9% 4.0% administration

’ Note: Unadjusted statistics II Source: U.S. Department,of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 13 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Number in Labor Force 694 764 1,505 174,416 5,797,93 7

Percent in Labor Force 70.1 '10 66.0% 75.6 '10 65.4% 61 .7%

Civilian Labor Force 694 76 1 1.505 174.191 5.779.327 11 Employed I 672 I 723 I 1,465 I 166,292 I 5,434,532

Unemployed (Oh) 22 (3.2%) 38 (5.0%) 40 (2.7%) 7,899 (4.5%) 344,795 (6.0%)

Armed Forces 0 3 0 225 18,610

Not in Labor Force 296 393 486 92,305 3,594,879

' Note: Unadjusted statistics Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 14 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BA CKG RO U N D STUDIES

Percent Working in 1990 by Gender

Male 76.6 'la 69.3% 82.5 'la 71 .9% 76.5 'la

Female 59.9% 54.8% 66.6 % 56.2% 57.8 'lo

Class of Worker

Private Industry 86.8 % 8 6.4 % 85.7% 85.6 "la 81.7 %

Governmen t 9.2% 5.9% 4.9% 8.2% 1 1 .7 %

Self Employed 4.0% 6.2% 6.4% 5.8% 6.2 'lo I Unpaid Family Workers 0 1.4% 2.9% 0.4% 0.5 "la II 11 ' Note: Unadjusted statistics Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 15 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

HOUSING CHAMCTERISTICS variety of different housing types, styles, prices, and environmental settings. The public benefits economically One of the most important assets of the community is the with the assurance of a sound residential tax base that will quality and condition of the Planning Area’s residential continue to appreciate as the housing stock is maintained neighborhoods and housing stock. Both personal and and grows. Studying existing housing conditions and public benefits are derived from a well-maintained and planning future housing initiatives is important for these varied housing stock. In addition to the personal economic reasons and in assuring the Planning Area’s residential living benefits derived from appreciating property values, the environment is both safe and healthful. individual benefits from the opportunity to choose from a

’ Note: Unadjusted statistics /I Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 16 )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BA CKGROU N D STUDIES

All three Planning Area municipalities have a higher Planning Area in 1990 were single family detached units. percentage of family households than both the County and One half of the units in the Borough and approximately four the State. Perry Township, with over four out of every five -fifths of the total housing units in the two townships fell households in family households, also has a considerably into this category. Attached and multi-family units comprised higher average persons per household than its Planning Area most of the remaining housing stock in the Borough. partners, the County, and the State overall. The number of However, very little of these types of housing units were persons per household in Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee located in the townships. Mobile homes represented 12.6 Township are comparable to those of the County and State. and 9.9 percent of the total housing units in Ontelaunee and Perry Townships, respectively. These percentages were Housing information is another indicator of the affluence of approximately double the County and State percentages. the community. Housing values in the Planning Area are higher than the State as a whole, and comparable to County- The number of persons per room statistic is an indicator of wide averages (See Table 11). The ratio of owner occupied the size of dwelling units and the presence of overcrowded to renter occupied units in the two Townships (82.5 and condit,ions. In 1990, only 4 of the 508 occupied units (0.8 84.6 percent, respectively) was significantly higher than that percent) in Leesport Borough had an average of more than of the Borough (75.0%), the County or the State. Leesport one person per room. Six units (1.2%) in Ontelaunee Borough’s older housing stock, on generally smaller lots, is Township also exceeded the one person per room average. reflected in a lower 1990 median value for owner occupied Only Perry Township, with 20 of 902 occupied units, or 2.2 housing units and a higher percentage of renter occupied percent, exceeded either the Berks County (1.8%) or State units. (1.7%) averages.

Table 12 provides numerous characteristics of housing in the Planning Area from the 1990 U.S. Census. As can be seen from the table, the majority of the housing units in the

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 17 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Percentage of Renter Occupied Housing Units

' Note: Unadjusted statistics Source: US. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census

As the population of the Planning Area increases, additional types and costs of housing be provided to existing and housing will be needed. The types of housing that may be future Planning Area residents. This can best be built depends greatly on the values and desires of the accomplished by providing for various types and densities population. While the number of additional dwelling that of housing in the municipal Zoning Ordinances, as well as may be needed can be estimated based on projection of providing for innovative approaches to residential overall Planning Area population, the types of dwelling units development - such as clustering - in the Subdivision and that may be constructed can not be estimated. What is Land Development Ordinances. important from the perspective of the Planning Area municipalities is that a wide range of opportunities for all

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 18 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Total Housing Units 536' 100.0 62 7 100.0 934 100.0 100.0 100.0

1 Unit Detached 271 50.6 49 1 78.3 760 81.4 51.1 53.3

1 Unit Attached 165 30.8 24 3.8 24 2.6 24.6 18.7

2 - 4 Units in Structure 78 14.6 15 2.4 45 4.8 10.1 10.2

5 - 9 Units in Structure 19 3.5 16 2.6 7 0.7 3.3 3.5

10 or More Units in Structure 1 0.2 0 0 0 0 5.8 8.0

Mobile Home 0 0 79 12.6 92 9.9 4.2 5.1

Other 2 0.4 2 0.3 6 0.6 1.o 1.3

Owner Occupied 71.1 68.6 81.7 70.1 64.3

Ol0 Renter Occupied 23.7 14.5 14.9 24.8 26.7

Ol0 Vacant 5.2 16.9' 3.4 5.1 9.0

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOIN1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 19 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 20 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

POPULATION PROjECTIONS County Planning Commission - based on 1980 Census data, and thus don't reflect 1990 actual populations. When evaluating future growth and housing needs, it is important to forecast the Planning Area's anticipated future Table 14 presents population projections for the Planning population. Population growth is affected by a multitude of Area municipalities through the Year 2010 that were variables including local and regional economy, prepared by the Consultant. These projections were based infrastructure and the availability of suitable land for on 1990 Census data, 1994 population estimates (from the development. The only published population projections for Bureau of Census), the availability of developable land in the planning area were prepared in 1982 by the Berks the municipalities, and input from municipal officials.

11 1990 (Actual)' I 1,825 I I 1,359 I I 2,516 I II

2000 2,013 188 (10.3'/0) 1,453 94 (6.9%) 2,690 174 (6.9%)

2010 2,091 78 (3.9%) 1,571 118 (8.1%) 3,040 242 (9.0%)

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP /01N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 21 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

HISTORIC, ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL Ontelaunee Township takes its name from the large stream which drains the greater part of the upper RESOURCES eastern portion of the county. It is an Indian word, and

signifies "Maiden Creek, 'I a daughter or branch of the Schuylkill. The stream was called "Maiden Creek" by the Friends (Quakers) when they began their first REGIONAL HISTORY settlements in 1733 - ignoring the beautiful and expressive name "Ontelaunee.I' The Friends took up the first land by patents along and across its winding banks from its mouth northwardly for more than ten At the start of the 18th Century, a mild climate, fertile soil, miles; and also along the eastern bank of the Schuylkill and the Schuylkill River combined to attract European from the same point to the Blue Mountain. immigrants to Berks County. The area was originally settled On April 2, 1849, a petition of certain inhabitants of by the Swedes, followed by Germans, English, Welsh and Maiden-creek township was presented to court, asking for a division of the township, and suggesting as a French Huguenots. Most were seeking the opportunity to proper name for the western portion, "Schuylkill." The farm land of their own and escape religious persecution. In name of the proposed township was changed by the court to "Antalawny" (Ontelaunee) and the new 1752, Berks County was incorporated from parts of township was erected into a separate election district Lancaster, Chester and Philadelphia Counties. Berks County by act passed February 28, 1 850. was named for Berkshire, England, home of William Penn's In Ontelaunee township, the first settlers were Friends, family. In 1772, Berks gave up territory for the formation of some of whom entered the territory as early as 172 1. Early settlers included Francis Parvin, who settled at Northumberland County, and again in 181 1, for the what is now known as Berkley. Berkley, which is located on Willow Creek, where it was crossed by the formation of Schuylkill County. Centre Turnpike and the Berks County Railroad, was an early settlement in the township. The Borough of Leesport was also originally a part of Ontelaunee Montgomery's History of Berks County, published in 1886, Township. provided historical background through the late nineteenth century on the three planning area municipalities. Excerpts dealing with Ontelaunee Township follow:

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 22 )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

A history of Leesport was included in the publication The following history of Perry Township was included in the commemorating the Borough's 1 50th anniversary: Township's 1969 Comprehensive Plan:

The Borough started out as two separate entities, The first known inhabitants of the Township were the mainly because of a natural division created by the Lenni Lenape nation, the "original people", part of the Schuylkill River. According to various historical Turtle Tribe, "the people of the River". After 7 732, the references, Samuel Lee, of Quaker descent, bought Indians released the Ontelaunee section (the north land on the east side of the Schuylkill River and laid central section of Berks County) to William Penn, the out a town in his name in 1840 in anticipation that a Friends began claiming tracts along the southern railroad would be constructed on that side. But two reaches of the Ontelaunee Creek and Maiden Creek, years later, the railroad (the Philadelphia and Reading the transportation routes of that era. By 1740, six Railroad) was laid out on the west side of the river, townships had been established, mostly settled by thus leading to the establishment of West Leesport. The Germans. The first road through the area, the Maiden west side of the tracks was considered a Borough, and Creek Road, was extended from Reading to Easton in the east side recognized as a village in Ontelaunee the 1740's. Township. The station of the Pennsylvania Railroad ion the east side of the river, didn't open until 1885. Prior The economy of Perry Township was subsistence to the Borough's founding, the area was recognized as farming when the first log church, Mt. Zion, was an important trade center along the Schuylkill Canal, constructed in 176 1. Shoemakersville was first settled especially in the vicinity of the Althouse locks, where along Plum Creek in 1786. Later in 1805, the Centre four or five large grain warehouses were located. One Turnpike linked Reading and Hamburg and points of the first land-owners, john Althouse, lived at the north. canal-lock, where he kept a public house, and the bridge, which was built across the river at that point, Perry was not incorporated until 1852, being named was long known by his name. after Commodore Perry, hero of the War of 18 12. Prior to 1852, the Township was part of Windsor Township, In the mid- 1950s, Leesport residents were experiencing although it had been established as a separate voting difficultly obtaining enough satisfactory drinking water district since 1821. - they had no municipal system, while West Leesport did. As a result, the village of Leesport agreed to be With the discovery of coal in Schuylkill County, annexed by West Leesport in exchange for having pressure developed for better roads and canals to move water lines extended into its area. At that point, the the coal to the iron producing cities. By 1827, the move was made to officially change the name of the Schuylkill Navigation Company had completed a canal Borough to Leesport. linking Port Carbon, Reading and Philadelphia, and lumber and coal was shipped a six miles per hour to

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlN1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 23 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Reading. Later the Reading and Pottsville Railroad was parks, picnic areas, trails, museums, and play areas can be constructed by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company with a station in West Mohrsville. developed. The promotion of historic preservation has improved in recent years through the efforts of Berks County The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad linkage helped develop the Region agriculturally in the 1870’s. By the and private and non-profit groups. Results of these efforts 1870’s, Perry had an active bluestone quarry located are reflected in a substantial number of historic structures in in the northeastern section of the Township, and a flagstone quarry located south of Shoemakersville. the County being added to the National Register of Historic Places. The County has had an aggressive role in the The first major industry outside of the farm-oriented grain mills and tannery was the Shoemakersville Clay restoration and preservation of historic sites. One such site Works formed in 1897 to manufacture glazed pipes. In in the planning area is the Leesport Lockhouse, which is 1908, it was purchased by Glen Cery Brick to manufacture paving brick. By 1924, Glen Gery Brick listed on the National Historical Register. was the most extensive and important industry in the Township. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of The 1920’s marked the start of relatively rapid population growth and suburbanization of the Region the Nation’s cultural resources worthy of preservation. The which includes Perry Township and Shoemakersville Register can include buildings, districts, sections of a city or Borough. During the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century, Shoemakersville was a village in park, and objects. These items must be recognized by the Windsor, and subsequently, Perry Township. federal government as being worthy of preservation. Shoemakersville was incorporated as a separate borough in 1921. The Berks County Conservancy conducted various surveys of historical sites in the County. Based on the results of HISTORIC PRESERVATION those surveys, the Berks County Register of Historic Sites was established. The Register recognizes sites of The importance of historic sites is not solely based on their exceptional value in the County. The historic inventory for recreational function but also on their visual and cultural the County includes the names and map locations of historic value. Historic structures act as focal points around which areas or sites, a description of the site, and a historical

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 24 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN reference date. The sites listed in Table 15 are located in the CULTURAL RESOURCES planning area. They are also identified on Map 4. The role of arts and culture is important in shaping the identity of a community. Cultural organizations can help to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES create more vital communities and enhance the traditions and talents of the communities' citizens. Cultural resources The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission include institutions, such as libraries, museums and historic (PHMC) has established an inventory of archaeologically sites, as well as activities such as art, music and theater sensitive areas. Due to the confidential nature of this programs, and fairs, festivals and parades. Existing facilities inventory, the PHMC is unable to produce local sensitivity located in the Planning Area which provide cultural maps of known archaeological sites. However, substantial opportunities include, but are not limited to, the Schuylkill protection of these resources is provided within the Valley Community Library, the two school districts, Union municipalities subdivision and land development process. Fire Company (in Leesport), as well as churches, social Applicants are typically required to obtain approval by the service clubs and other public and quasi-public Township and the Pennsylvania Department of organizations and institutions. These existing facilities are Environmental Protection (PaDEP) for a "Planning Module further described in the Community Facilities section of this for Land Development". These Planning Modules generally Chapter. require review by the PHMC to determine if any archaeological or historical resources are present in or near the project area. Known sites are required to do additional archaeological or hi stor ical stud ies.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 25 CHAPTER 2 BA CKG ROUN D STUDIES

Leesport Lock L-shaped sandstone structure built c.1840 which served early lockkeepers on the 1846-1850, House Schuylkill Canal. Being restored as public historic attraction. Listed 6/8/77.. 1860-1870, 1885-1895

Berkley Historic Village near Maiden Creek and Route 61 with houses of architectural distinction. 1758-1920 District Includes Parvin Homestead, Davies House, Schmehl House and Berkley Hotel. Reading Water Bureau Filtration Plant copies doorway design. Eligible.

Drei bel bis Brick gristmill operated by the Dreibelbis family from 1868 to 1985. It is located on 1854 G ristmiI I the Pigeon Creek near Route 662 east of Shoemakersville. This mill was one of the last in the county to grind and sell wheat flour and corn meal. It retains its milling machinery. Private. Listed 10/30/89.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 26 jOlN1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

PHYSICAL FEATURES AND NATURAL RESOURCES There is a practical implication to viewing land as a Physical features and natural resources may be either resource rather than as a commodity. The unique and renewable or non-renewable. Some resources are easily irreplaceable beauty, character and sense of community in ruined and many are irreplaceable. Although many the planning area has been recognized as a resource worth resources such as air, water, and timber can renew protecting. Land use management should occur in a themselves, they do so in a time frame often beyondaltural framework of stewardship and in harmony with the long intervention. Frequently, the ability of humans to deplete term preservation of the land. Natural resources are resources has not been balanced by our ability to restore essential to the quality of life in the planning area and the them. While individual landowners have few limitations following sections provide information intended to promote upon their land use and may not intend to degrade the their appropriate management. natural environment, at the Township scale the cumulative effects of improper land use management can pose severe threats to public health, safety and welfare. Encroachment TOPOGRAPHY AND STEEP SLOPES of development in marginal areas may result in damage to existing homes through flooding and landslides. Prime The terrain in the planning area ranges from approximately agricultural topsoil which formed over centuries may be lost 200 feet above sea level along the Schuylkill River in through erosion in a single season. Entire tracts of mature southwestern Ontelaunee Township up to approximately woodlands and wildlife areas which have stood for 800 feet above sea level on the ridge in the southeastern generations may fall in a single season if they are clear cut. corner of the Township. Elevations in Leesport Borough A single new home with soil unable to renovate septic tank range from 280 feet above sea level in the south eastern effluent may pollute wells, groundwater, and surface water portion of the Borough along the Schuylkill River to nearly for an entire village. 440 feet between Grape Alley and Chestnut Street, just west of the railroad. Elevations in Perry Township range from less

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 27 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES than 300 feet in the southwest corner to greater than 600 small portion of the planning area experiences slopes in feet above sea level in the upland portions of the Township. excess of 25 percent. (See Map 2).

Slopes are important since they often serve as a guide in DRAINAGE AND WATER FEATURES determining the extent and type of development which can take place. Land that has very little slope can be a problem The principal natural unit for topographic studies is the to develop since it is so level that it lacks good drainage. watershed drainage basin. It is vital for sanitary sewer, However, land with slopes ranging from around two to ten storm sewer and most conservation planning. It is defined percent usually poses few problems for a wide variety of as that natural mold rimmed by sufficient topographic types of development. Land with a slope of approximately elevations from which one major stream is fed. The three 10 to 15 percent is generally better suited to residential planning area municipalities are located in parts of two development than to commercial or industrial development. major drainage basins. Lands with slopes in excess of 15 percent begin to cause serious problems for proper development due to (1) their The western half of Perry Township, along with the Borough susceptibility for erosion (and runoff) and (2) the potential of Leesport, and the northwestern and southwestern portions increased costs required to alleviate structural problems such of Ontelaunee Township, are all located in the Schuylkill as settling and sliding. Construction in steeper slopes also River basin. This basin also includes Pigeon Creek and its affects the cost of installation of underground utilities and tributaries in Perry Township. The Maiden Creek Basin the construction of roads and highways. drains the eastern half of Perry Township and the central portion of Ontelaunee Township. Also included in this basin A considerable portion of the planning area has slopes in is Maiden Creek’s tributary, Willow Creek. (See Map 2). the range of 0 to 8 percent, including the western portion of Perry Township, most of Leesport Borough, and the southern Of the various water features in the Planning Area, the two-thirds of Ontelaunee Township. Conversely, only a Schuylkill River and Maiden Creek are the two most

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 28 jOlN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LEGEND Identified Mud - featue

I - Major Basin Divide

LEESPORT BOROUGH ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP 2 - NATURAL FEATURES MAP PERRY TOWNSHIP

Mapping Data Source : JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN scale :1"= 36o(y BerlcsCountyMapping Department PREPARED IN COOPER4TlON WlTH 0 ma lmb uy and Consultant Surveys THE BERKS COUNTY MNINQcoMM88K)N A -NORTH CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES prominent. The Schuylkill river is the major source of of various fresh water fish and aquatic organisms. drainage in the Planning Area. Various streams drain into the Schuylkill, contributing to its flow. The river enters the In 1991, the City commissioned a watershed study of the County through the north central border and flows lake. The results of the study indicate that the Lake is southward, exiting through the southeastern border. The suffering from eutrophication due to the abundance of living Schuylkill has its origins in Schuylkill County, immediately organisms resulting from the accumulation of sediments and north of Berks, and eventually empties into the Delaware nutrients in the lake. The study found that the most River at Philadelphia. The River is an important source of important nonpoint sources of pollutants entering the lake habitat for both aquatic and non-aquatic species, as well as are from erosion, stormwater runoff and septic systems. The a source of recreation. majority of nutrient loading coming from stormwater flows. The bulk of phosphorus (contributing to algae growth) Lakes, ponds, rivers and streams al I constitute water-covered resulted from non point sources associated with erosion areas in the Planning Area. The Planning Area contains one from agricultural lands. Septic tanks were thought to lake of appreciable size, Lake Ontelaunee, which was contribute the greatest portion of nonpoint source loading created by the damming of Maiden Creek. Lake Ontelaunee based on the limited capacity of soils in the drainage basin functions as a reservoir for the City of Reading's water that are suitable for on-site treatment. Point source loadings supply. The lake is a 1, 100 acre man made body of water. from the three treatment facilities in the watershed (not in The lake holds an estimated 3,264 million gallons of water the planning area) were considered a small contribution as with an average depth of 7.2 feet and a maximum depth of compared to the nonpoint sources. 28 feet. The entire watershed encompasses 127,3 18 acres, including portions of Ontelaunee and Perry Townships. SCENIC RIVERS Recreation such as picnicking and fishing are also available at the lake and surrounding lands. The lake also provides On December 5, 1972 the "Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act important areas of animal habitat and supports populations 283" was signed into law. The purpose of the Act is to

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 29 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO UND STUDIES identify, preserve, and protect those river segments in the Designating the allowable uses of a floodplain is an Commonwealth that possess outstanding aesthetic and important step in assuring its protection. Many recreational value. The Schuylkill River is one of the three municipalities have ordinances which deal with the land use designated scenic rivers in Berks County. Scenic River of a floodplain. In this plan we focus on the 100-Year designation is meant to increase awareness of the value of floodplain. A 100-Year floodplain is that which is expected the stream. This should encourage sound conservation to be covered by water once every 100 years. While this practices and generate support form local residents for the time period may seem extensive, it allows for the floodplain rivers’ protection. Benefits include an increased awareness to be recognized and spared from development. of the ecological, historical, and aesthetic value of the stream. The Schuylkill Heritage Park Project,as described in The most prominent floodplain in the Planning Area is that detail later in this Chapter, is an outgrowth of such efforts. along the Schuylkill River. The river traverses the Planning Area in a north-to-south direction and is joined by many other streams in its journey. In addition, the Maiden Creek FLOODPLAINS possesses fairly prominent floodplains in the Planning Area.

A floodplain is the land which lies adjacent to a river or A floodplain is best left as a natural area of open space. stream. It is periodically flooded by the river or stream’s Constructing any type of structure on a floodplain is not a overflow. This acts as a natural barrier to prevent flooding recommended practice. A river or stream which floods its of the surrounding developed area. This land is flat and banks and spills out onto a floodplain, can result in the loss consists primarily of alluvial soils that may be wet a portion of roads, homes and lives. Floodplains can be useful for of the year. Floodplains can often be extremely productive agricultural purposes and passive recreational needs. for vegetation, providing excellent areas for species habitat and diversity.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 30 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

WETLANDS depending on the quality of the photos, the time the photos 1 were taken, and the type of wetlands being identified. The As defined by DEP, EPA, and the US Army Corps of NWI map is a helpful background source for wetland Engineers, wetlands are those areas which are inundated or investigations. However, field research by a trained expert saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and is necessary to determine the prevalence or absence of duration to support, and that under normal circumstances do wetlands. The NWI maps indicate that the Planning Area support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life contains numerous probable wetlands. in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas which possess three essential characteristics: (1) hydrophytic vegetation, (2) GEOLOGY hydric soils, and (3) wetland hydrology. Pennsylvania is divided into four physiographic provinces. Wetlands have become recognized as uniquely important Of the provinces traversing southeastern Pennsylvania, two components of the landscape by scientists, engineers, public are the most important when discussing Berks County. The interest groups, and governmental agencies. Their majority of the County lies partly within the Piedmont importance lies both on the traditional values of wetlands as Province and partly within the Valley and Ridge Province. areas of fish and wildlife protection as well as in newly Berks County has many outstanding geologic features which found values of wetlands as areas of stormwater gives the County its unique characteristics and allows better management. understanding of the geologic forces which shaped it.

The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Maps were The geologic formations underlying Berks County can be compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service using color broken down into five groups: Triassic, Silurian, Ordovician, infrared aerial photos for the identification of wetlands using Cambrian and Precambrian. Each of these five formations soil moisture content. The quality of the maps vary greatly represent a different time period in the Earth’s geologic

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP /OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 31 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO U N D STUDIES

history. Triassic formations developed most recently, while uncovered in early quarrying operations in Perry Township. Precambrian formations were one of the earliest to develop. At one time, one of the major mineral resources was a shale The other types of formations mentioned fall between these of fine quality called Bluestone which was, prior,to the two chronologically. discovery of cement, used for curbs, mantels and window sills. The Martinsburg shales, when somewhat weathered, The geology of Berks County fluctuates on both a were used for making paving and face bricks; deposits of Countywide level and a localized, small scale level. The clay are presently used to make bricks in Perry Township. geology of an area can change over a matter of feet. This A portion of Leesport Borough and the central portion of small scale geology exists in varying degrees throughout the Ontelaunee Township are underlain by dolomite and County. Most mountains in the County exhibit sandstone limestone of the Ontelaunee and other formations. The variations at the dome, shales in the middle slope, and extreme southeastern portion of Ontelaunee Township is limestone at the base. The change in geology corresponds underlain by dolomite and limestone from the Cambrian with a change in forest cover, grasses, and brush. Period.

All of Perry Township and Leesport Borough and the From a geological standpoint, there are two factors to northern two-thirds of Ontelaunee Township are underlain evaluate when considering development in limestone areas. by bedrock of the Ordovician period. Perry Township and These factors are (1) ease of excavation for basements and the northern portions of Leesport and Ontelaunee are foundations, and (2) on-lot septic systems, and groundwater underlain by shales of the Hamburg and Martinsburg contamination potential . Accord ing to Engineering Formations. The bulk of Perry Township, except the area Characteristics of the Rocks of Pennsylvania (1 977), adjoining the Maiden Creek drainage way is underlain by excavation in these limestone formations is difficult and gray and brown shales. The portion along the Maiden Creek expensive due to numerous bedrock pinnacles and quartz is underlain by sandstone and shales. Some areas are veins. In addition, sufficient soil depth to bedrock for the underlain by limestone, and several limestone caves were dilution of sewage effluent may be inadequate.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 32 /OINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Groundwater contamination is a critical factor to consider Bedrock geology has primary control on the storage, when developing land use plans for residential or capacity, quality, and flow of groundwater. Geologic agricultural uses. The limestone formations present in the features such as rock type, strata orientation, faults, joints, southern portions of the planning area are susceptible to folds, solution channels, etc. affect groundwater quality, groundwater contamination. This is due to the fact that quantity, and movement. Different types of rock allow contaminants entering the groundwater can be transported varying amounts of groundwater to become available for long distances in an undiluted and untreated manner utilization, but the geology can also play a part in through cracks and solution channels that form in limestone contamination of groundwater also. For example, a porous bedrock. As a result, extreme caution should be exercised rock, or rocks with numerous fractures, may allow rapid and when applying nutrients (and pesticides or herbicides) widespread contamination of groundwater sources from during agricultural operations, and when issuing permits for subsurface contamination sources, such as improperly on-lot septic systems in limestone formations in the constructed landfills, leaking underground fuel tanks, and Township. failing on-lot sewage treatment systems (OLDS). For these reasons, the character of the geology will have an effect on potential development. GROUNDWATER The Ordovician shale formations, such as the Martinsburg, Due to the reliance on wells for public water supply by which are found in the northern portions of the planning Leesport Borough and on individual wells for potable water area, are considered to be small to moderate suppliers of in most portions of the two Townships, the issue of quality groundwater. However, the dolomite and limestone and quantity of groundwater is very important. While the formations can produce large volumes of water if a channel topography, or surface land features, determines the patterns or fracture in the rock is found. The Cambrian formations, of creeks and rivers, groundwater flow is controlled partially composed of gray limestones and dolomites, are some of the by topography, but primarily by subsurface geology. best groundwater yielding areas in Berks County.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 33 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

SOILS encompass the Planning Area. They include the Berks- Wei kert-Bed ington Association, Ryder-FogelsviI le For planning studies, the most important use of soil Association, and Duffield-Washington Association. The information is to indicate the general suitability of the soil Berks-Weikert-Bedington Association consists mainly of for subsurface sewage disposal systems and to delineate gently sloping to steep soils that occupy a broad band across those areas of high agricultural productivity. the northern part of the Planning area, including Perry Township and northern portions of Leesport Borough and Mapping information is used to delineate certain areas as Ontelaunee Township. These soils have formed in material suitable for practical urban construction. However, it must from shale and siltstone. The Ryder-Fogelsville Association be clearly understood that soils are rarely uniform and vary consists of moderately deep and deep, we1 I-drained, si Ity considerably throughout any given profile, making it soils that have been formed in material weathered from necessary in every case to adequately test the soil for its cement rock. In the Planning Area, they are located in a specific characteristics of permeability, bearing capacity and narrow band located between the hills underlain by shale drainage. (to the north) and the limestone valley (to the south). The Duffield-Washington Association consists of deep, well- As a matter of definition, a soil series consists of those soils drained, undulating soils formed in material weathered from which have similar characteristics in the kind, thickness and limestone. These soils are located in the limestone valley arrangement of soil layers. Soils that differ only in surface located in the southern portion of Ontelaunee Township. texture but are alike in other characteristics are defined as soil types. Soil types are further divided into soil phases One important physical characteristic related to soils is their because of differences in slope, degree of erosion, number suitability to accommodate on-lot sewage disposal systems. and size of stones or some other feature affecting their use. Soils in the Berks-Weikert-Bedington Association have Soil series that have a similar distribution pattern are limitations due primarily to shallow depths to bedrock and grouped into soil associations. Three soil associations rapid permeability. In the Ryder-Fogelsville Association, the

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Ryder soils exhibit similar characteristics to the Berks- Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA-NRCS, is the land Weikert. The FogeIsviIle soils exhibit fewer potential that is best suited for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, limitations for on-lot sewage disposal, but also encompass and oilseed crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, only a small amount of land area. Soils in the Duffield- and water supply needed to economically produce a Washington Association have been identified in the Soils sustained high yield of crops when it is treated and Survey as having only slight limitations. However, since managed using acceptable farming methods. Prime they are generally underlain with limestone, these soils areas farmland produces the highest yields with minimal inputs of are susceptible to groundwater contamination as a result of energy and economic resources, and farming it results in the seepage through fractures in the bedrock. least damage to the environment (USDA, 1981). According to the USDA, qualities which characterize prime agricultural Another consideration in this study of soils is the land soils include high permeability to water and air, few or no suitability classification system of the U.S. Department of rocks, optimum levels of acidity and alkalinity, 0 to 8 Agriculture. This classification is a grouping of soils which percent slopes, and the absence of flooding during the shows their usefulness for various types of farming. There growing season. These soils may now be utilized for crops, are eight broad classes; however, going from Class I to Class pasture, woodland, or land covers other than urban land or VIII, the choices in use become fewer and the risks of water areas. mismanagement greater. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Most prime farmland soils found in Berks County are Class (USDA-NRCS), the soils most suitable for regular cultivation I or I1 soils. While only a small percentage of the Planning are those found in Classes I-111. The soils suitable for Area has Class 1 soils, a considerable portion of the two occasional cultivation are Class IV, and those considered not townships are Class It. (See Map 3). The limestone bedrock suitable for cultivation are Classes V-VIII. areas in southern OntelauneeTownship represent the largest concentrations of Class I and I1 soils. These soils are usually deep and welldrained, have very slight slopes and are not

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COM PREH ENSIVE PLAN 35 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO U N D STUDIES prone to flooding. The limestone belt, found across Berks Contrary to popular belief, environmentally sensitive areas and the area concentrated in the eastern central portion of are not unique to obscure mountain valleys or high forested the County, yields the greatest amount of Class I and Class peaks. In Berks County, environmentally sensitive regions II soil and is one of the most productive agricultural areas in exist in a number of forms accounting for the majority of the the County. The reason these soils are so productive is due remaining open land. Bogs, swamps, marshes, meadows, to the limestone’s geologic characteristics. Limestone soils grasslands, open fields, deciduous and evergreen forests, are fairly deep and allow water to percolate rapidly mountains, streams, lakes and even caverns are all providing clean, sub-surface aquifer recharge. environmentally sensitive areas in Berks County. These areas are described as being environmentally sensitive ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES because they provide habitat for particular types of plants or animals some of which may be threatened or endangered. In the past, attitudes toward preservation, protection and The Pennsylvania Science Office of the Nature Conservancy conservation of our ecological resources have not been a completed the Berks County Natural Areas Inventory in driving issue in comprehensive planning. As a result of 1991. The Inventory identifies plants, animals, and natural education, and in response to the growing perception of the communities within the County which are rare, threatened negative impacts of certain land use forms and practices, the or endangered. The final inventory consists of a set of maps preservation of wildlife and wild habitats has become a showing all locations of rare and endangered species within priority conservation objective. the County identified by the Conservancy, in addition to a written report explaining the inventory and its findings. The most environmentally important areas often support populations of extremely sensitive flora and fauna. The planning area locations identified in the inventory Unfortunately, these sensitive areas, due to their natural report included (1) the Lake Ontelaunee Watershed, which beauty and unique features, attract development as well. includes portions of both Perry and Ontelaunee Townships, (2) the Schuylkill River, and (3) the Ontelaunee Township

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTEMUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 36 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Tract, which is located at the northwestern corner of the erosion another way. Tree cover reduces the percentage of Township, between the River and the railroad, and which is falling water droplets that reaches the soil by intercepting managed by the Berks County Conservancy. The Schuylkill rain droplets. This water then either falls from the leaves River is a PA-Scenic River and should be protected from with a much reduced velocity, or is transmitted to the tree’s increased polI ution and excessive sedimentation. branches and trunk where it reaches the soil as stem flow. This reduction of the rainwater’s impact prevents soil from being dislodged and being carried away as sediment. WOODLANDS AND FORESTED AREAS Forests are also extremely important areas of animal habitat. According to the results of the existing land use survey, Many larger species such as deer and bear depend on the approximately fifteen percent of the Planning Area is cover of the forest for their protection and survival. The wooded. Deciduous trees are the most prevalent type of food supply in a forest can be very rich if the soils and trees in the Planning Area. The most common species are climate are favorable. Animals often seek forested regions Maple, Beech, Oak and Hickory. Coniferous species also for the food supply and to provide protection from the exist, an example being the Hemlock, which often favors elements. Tree cover slows the evaporation of water and stream valleys in mountainous and hilly regions. minimizes wind velocities, allowing animals to survive difficult periods of drought and high temperatures. Woodlands and forested areas provide many important uses including providing erosion control on steep slopes, and One of a forest’s greatest benefits is its aesthetic value. protecting watersheds Erosion control on steep slopes is Allowing natural areas such as forests to exist undisturbed done through the root’s ability to hold soil and rock in place allows the environment to be fully appreciated, understood This ability of roots allows the forest surrounding watersheds and as a result, protected. to keep runoff low in suspended solids. This keeps lakes and streams free from sediment. However, forests control

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOl N T COM PR EH ENSlVE PlAN 37 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES advise their respective governing body and to administer the day-today mun ici pa I operations.

Community facilities and services are an important component of a developing area and add immeasurably to SCHOOLS the quality of life. They encompass not only those facilities owned by the public but also those owned and operated by Berks County is divided into 18 school districts for the private enterprise for the benefit of the community as well. purpose of elementary and secondary public education. The Community facilities and services include schools, parks, planning area municipalities are served by two different recreation, police, fire protection, ad min istrat ive functions school districts. Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee Township and utilities. Deficiencies in the present level of services, are part of the Schuylkill Valley School District and Perry expansion possibilities, and future requirements should be Township is part of the Hamburg Area School District. evaluated and related to potential demand so that the planning area municipalities can be prepared to provide The Schuylkill Valley School District serves Leesport and these services as the need arises. Centreport Boroughs, and Bern, Centre and Ontelaunee Townships. Until recently, the District operated two elementary schools (Bern and Centre), an intermediate MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION school and a high school. The Intermediate and High Schools are located on a common campus just east of the Ontelaunee and Perry are townships of the second class, intersection of Routes 61 and 73 in Ontelaunee Township. each governed by a three-member Board of Supervisors. (See Map 4). The High school building is currently under Leesport is a borough governed by a seven-member going renovations. With the completion in fall 1995 of the Borough Council and a Mayor. All three municipalities have new Schuylkill Valley Elementary School on the campus a planning commission and other appointed officials to already occupied by the Schuylkill Valley Intermediate

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JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PREPARED IN COOPERATION wm-1 Berlcs County Mapping Depevtment andconsulEantsurveys THE BERKS COUN'IY PLANNING COMMISSION NORTH I II II I CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

School and the Schuylkill Valley High School, the two The Hamburg Area School District serves Perry Township, existing elementary schools were closed and all students are as well as the Boroughs of Hamburg, Strausstown and now bussed to one location. The district uses a K-5, 6-8,9- Shoemakersville, and the Townships of Upper Tulpehocken, 12 grade breakdown. 1994-95enrollments were as follows: Upper Bern, Tilden and Windsor. 1995 enrollments in the District were as follows: Elementary (K-6)- 1,452; Secondary Grades K-5 567 students (7-12) - 1,225. The School District maintains five elementary Grades 6-8 433 students schools and a junior-senior high school. The Perry Grades 9-12 567 students Elementary School, in Shoemakersville, serves students from The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) routinely the Township. The other elementary schools are located in prepares student enrollment projections for school districts. Hamburg Borough, Tilden Township, Strausstown, and The latest available projections for Schuylkill Valley, which Upper Bern Township. The Junior-Senior High School is were based on May 1992 actual enrollments, are as follows: located on Windsor Street in Hamburg Borough. When the new Hamburg Area Middle School building opens in the Fall YEAR ---K-5 6-8 9-12 TOTAL of 1996, the grade structures will be changed as 1995-96 987 469 530 1986 follows: 1996-97 989 497 554 2040 1997-98 1018 500 568 2086 Hamburg Area High School Grades 9 to 12 1998-99 1030 504 584 21 18 Hamburg Area Middle School Grades 6 to 8 1999- 0 1011 527 614 21 52 Tilden Elementary Grades K to 2 2000-01 1019 552 612 2183 Hamburg Elementary Grades 3 to 5 2001 -02 977 600 633 221 0 Strausstown Elementary Grades K to 5 Perry Elementary Grades K to 5 It must be noted, however, that the September 1995 actual Upper Bern Elementary Grades K to 5 total enrollment was only 1,851 and therefore these projections should be adjusted downward accordingly.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP lOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 39 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

PDE enrollment projections for the Hamburg Area School holdings are Blue Mountain Academy in Tilden Township District, which were based on June 1994 actual enrollments, and Pine Forge Academy in Douglas Township. There are are as follows: no non-public schools located in the Planning Area.

YEAR -K-5 -6-8 -9-1 2 TOTAL Vocational-technical schools are located in Muhlenberg, 1995-96 1302 650 810 2 762 Bern and Oley Townships. The Berks Career and 1996-97 1353 64 1 8 73 2867 1997-98 1337 689 882 2908 Technology Center West Campus in Bern Township serves 1998-99 1378 685 884 2947 both the Schuylkill Valley and Hamburg Area School 1999- 0 1393 709 888 2990 District areas. Several private business schools exist within 2000-0 1 1383 71 3 930 3026 the Reading Urban Area. There are five institutions of 2001 -02 1381 75 7 920 3058 higher education located in the County. Albright College is The May 1995 actual total enrollment was only 2,677 and located in the northeast section of the City of Reading on therefore these projections also should be adjusted approximately 80 acres. Alvernia College is located on an downward accord ing I y . 80-acre campus in the southwestern section of the City of Reading. The Pennsylvania State University-Berks Campus In addition to the County’s public school facilities, there are is located on approximately 240 acres in Spring Township forty-some non-public elementary and secondary schools in near the Tulpehocken Creek. The Reading Area Community the County, most of which are church affiliated. The College (RACC) is located in downtown Reading on location of non-public schools is generally within their approximately 10 acres. Kutztown University is the only students’ residential area, with the exception of some of the facility located outside the Reading Urban Area. The large parochial schools which draw pupils from the entire campus is located on 325 acres in Maxatawny Township County, including Holy Name High School and Central and Kutztown Borough. Catholic High School, both located within the City of Reading. Two other non-public schools with large land

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 40 101 N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

LIBRARIES limited to after-school and evening hours. Other libraries exist which are primarily for the use of individual industries The residents of Berks County are currently served by 18 and businesses. For the most part these libraries are not public libraries. The Reading Public Library is the oldest open to the general public; collections are limited to public library in the County and one of the oldest in the materials relevant to the firm’s work and must be available United States. It is also the largest public library in Berks, for use by its workforce. offering services from a main library, three neighborhood branches, and two bookmobiles. In 1961, the State Library The Berks County Historical Society’s library contains a of Pennsylvania designated some larger libraries as district wealth of historical materials and data, and both library centers. The Reading District is comprised of all Wernersville State Hospital and the Hamburg Center have public libraries in Berks, two of which include facilities developed libraries which serve their respective special serving the planning area. The Hamburg Public Library populations. serves Perry Township, while the Schuylkill Valley Community Library (in Leesport) serves Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee Township. HOSPITALS

In addition to public libraries, 52 private or special interest Berks County is endowed with a wealth of medical facilities libraries also serve the population within Berks. Five and expertise to serve the physical and mental health needs academic libraries (Albright College, Alvernia College, of its population. With total staffing which includes 1,000 Kutztown University, Penn State-Berks Campus and the physicians and dentists and 4,100 nursing and support Reading Area Community College) serve the collegiate personnel, the County’s three major hospitals have the population. The 18 public school districts within Berks knowledge and capability to handle most medical County also possess libraries and, again, collections are emergencies. Two of the three hospitals (Community based on student ages and needs. Public use is usually General and Saint Joseph’s) are located within the city

-~ LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 41 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES limits; Reading Hospital, the largest, is located on a 36 acre loss due to accident or illness. site in West Reading. All three are in the continuous process of expanding facilities, services and programs to The Caron Foundation (formerly Chit-Chat Farms), located meet the growing needs of the population. Berks County’s in South Heidelberg Township is a private institution whose Poison Control Center is located at Community General goal is the treatment and rehabilitation of,thosewith alcohol Hospital; St. Joseph’s Women’s Wellness Center meets the and drug dependencies. unique health needs and concerns of women throughout the country for its high standing as a teaching institution for postgraduate physicians and nurses. NURSING HOMES, ASSISTED LIVING & ELDERLY SERVICES In addition to the three general hospitals, four hospital-like specialized institutions are located within the County which The Berks County Office of the Aging, established in 1974 deal with mental patients, mental retardation, the physically under the provisions of the Older Americans Act, is handicapped and substance abuse. The Wernersville State responsible for the development and administration of a Hospital houses and treats the mentally ill patients in the county-wide community support system for older citizens. community. The Hamburg Center, another state-run All of the County’s residents aged 60 and older are eligible institution, provides housing and treatment services to the for services. Persons with low income, aged 75 years and mentally retarded. over, disabled, living alone, and members of minority groups are targeted for numerous services. The Reading Rehabilitation Hospital, a 92 bed facility located in Cumru Township, provides nationally recognized Since 1952, the County has operated Berks Heim, a nursing comprehensive rehabilitation services to inpatients and home for both skilled and intermediate levels of care outpatients with physical disabilities and victims of located on the County Welfare Tract in Bern Township. The headhpinal cord injury, orthopedic injury, stroke and limb Heim provides care for over 800 residents.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 42 /01N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

The Berks County Office of Aging’s files list 20 State- Police Services licensed assisted living homes throughout the County. These facilities offer the daily services of home life (laundry, Police protection is an expected and appreciated service by meals, etc.) in an atmosphere of independence. Medical the residents and business owners of the three planning area services are available either on-site or on-call. Additionally, municipalities. The need for such services grows as the there are 30 independent housing complexes designated for population and amount of non-residential development the elderly. Of these, 17 are federally-subsidized through grows. Currently, the Borough of Leesport has three full-time the Department of Housing and Urban Development. No and four part-time police officers, including the chief of nursing homes are located within the Planning Area. police. The Department provides 24-hour service and utilizes three patrol cars.

PUBLIC SAFETY The MaidencreeWOntelaunee Police Department (created by a merger in 19911, provides service to Ontelaunee and Emergency services provide a valuable service for the safety Maidencreek Townships. The force includes a chief of and welfare of the planning area communities. The police, police, six full-time and five part-time officers and 5 patrol fire and ambulance squads provide life and property saving cars. The Department provides 24-hour service. services which are vital to the community’s quality of life. Perry Township has no police force of its own. The Fire and police protection and emergency medical services Township relies on the Pennsylvania State Police, who have are identified and discussed below. The Berks County a new facility on PA Route 61 north of Hamburg. Communications Center serves all emergency services in the planning area as well as the adjacent municipalities.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHiP - PERRY TOWNSHiP IOiNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 43 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Fire Services and should be encouraged and supported however possible.

Although there are not fire companies located in each planning area municipality, adequate services are provided Ambulance Services to planning area residents by area fire companies, as follows: The Schuylkill Valley Ambulance (located in Leesport) and the Hamburg American Legion Community Ambulance Union (Leesport) - serves Leesport and portions of (located in Hamburg) provide ambulance service to the Ontelau nee Townsh i p planning area municipalities. Blandon Community Ambulance serves the southern portion of Ontelaunee Temple - serves portions of Ontelaunee Township Township. The planning area is also served by the Blandon - serves portions of Ontelaunee Township Northcentral Berks Paramedics Association’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) Unit, also stationed in Leesport. Shoemakersville - serves portions of Perry Township

Virginville - serves portions of Perry Township

UTILITIES These fire companies are dispatched according to defined areas of responsibility in the three municipalities. WASTEWATER FACILITIES

All of these fire companies are volunteer organizations. The The planning area is fortunate to have recently been 24-hour service provided by these volunteers is of involved in the development of wastewater management tremendous value to planning area residents and businesses planning in each municipality. This planning is commonly referred to as Act 537 Planning in reference to the State Law

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 44 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO U N D STUDIES that requires each municipality to be responsible for (either on-site or public sewer) for new development in the providing wastewater management to its residents. most appropriate manner. By coordinating the 537 Planning with Comprehensive Planning, each municipality can make An example of the implementation of this Act is the informed decisions regarding locating the kind of and appointment of Sewage Enforcement Officers in each amount of new development in appropriate areas for proper municipality to review and permit requests for on-site and safe wastewater management. sewage treatment systems. These systems must be designed and constructed in accordance with standards developed by Leesport Borough the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Because these types of systems rely on proper soil conditions on the The Borough is currently served by the Leesport Borough site to provide the necessary renovation of wastewater Authority which owns and operates a municipal sewer before it reaches the groundwater aquifer, on-site treatment system and treatment facility. The treatment plant serves the systems can only be utilized in certain areas where these Borough by means of 16 miles of collection system, 2 natural soil conditions exist. Development in areas where remote pumping stations and a treatment facility located in these soil conditions do not exist must provide for other the Borough with a permitted maximum discharge to the means of wastewater management, such as public or private Schuylkill River of 200,000 gallons per day (gpd). sewers and treatment facilities. The Borough currently serves a population of 1,750. The Act 537 was adopted by the Commonwealth in 1966. The majority of flow is contributed from residential customers underlying objective of providing Act 537 Planning is to (1) (85%) with the remainder contributed from commercial and identify areas where long term on-site wastewater treatment institutional flows - the more significant being contributed can be provided, (2) address areas where public wastewater by the Ames Distribution Center and the Schuylkill Valley facilities are necessary to correct existing potential problem School District Campus in Ontelaunee Township. In areas and (3) provide for adequate wastewater facilities addition to the Borough and limited service to Ontelaunee

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 45 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO U N D STUDIES

Township, limited service is currently also provided to Gernants Church Road Areas. The remainder of the adjacent development in Bern Township. Township is served by individual on-site wastewater systems ("septic systems"). Future development in the Borough is limited by existing floodplain and limited area within the Borough for new The 537 Plan proposes the development of public sewer development. The Borough has recently completed and service in a 5 year and 5 to 10 year Phasing. The 5 year approved it's Act 537 Plan for submittal to DEP. The Plan Phase 1 recommendation is to establish sewer service areas proposes to expand the Treatment Facility to 500,000 gpd along the Route 61 corridor from Maiden Creek north along to accommodate 220,000 gpd of flow from the Borough, both sides of Route 61 to a point near the intersection with 180,000 gpd from Bern Township and 100,000 gpd of flow Birch Hill Road and Route 61. The 5 year service area from Ontelaunee Township. (See Map 4). would include the existing sewered areas and extend west to the river and Township boundary.

Ontelaunee Township Sewer service would be provided by expansion of the Leesport treatment plant to increase capacity for the The Ontelaunee Act 537 Plan was adopted in June 1995 by Township to 100,000 gpd. A pumping station would be the Township. Planning has been performed in conjunction constructed along Maiden Creek at Route 61 to convey flow with the Planning in Leesport Borough to develop expanded to the existing Ames pumping station and the Leesport public sewer service and treatment capacity for the Conveyance system. Township. As noted above, sewer service is currently provided to the Ames Distribution Center located in the Phase 2 of the Plan provides for expansion of the sewer Township. Service is also soon to be provided to the service area in a 5 to 10 year time frame to include the Schuylkill Valley School District Campus. There are also southern area of the Township from Maiden Creek west of extensions of sewer service to the Indian Manor and Route 61 and south to the Township line and from the

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 46 )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Conrail Maiden Creek spur east of Route 61, to the and requirements of the Township’s On-Lot Management south to the Township line. The 10 year service area would Ordinance. also extend the remaining distance along the west side of Route 61 from the river to the Township boundary with Perry Township. Future development in the 5 to 10 year Perry Township planning period would also be required to be served by public sewer in the growth area bounded by Adams Road The Perry Township 537 Plan was completed in May 1993. to the north, Loose Lane to the west, Kindt Corner Road to The Plan documented existing conditions in the Township the south and both sides of Ontelaunee Road to the east. related to wastewater facilities and recommendations for future sewer service. The Plan is being implemented in Provision for sewer service to this expanded area would be conjunction with an update of the Shoemakersville Borough provided by construction of a treatment facility at the Act 537 Plan to provide additional treatment capacity at the confluence of Maiden Creek and the river. The Ames Shoemakersville facility to accommodate Perry Township. pumping station would be diverted to the new treatment This additional treatment capacity is currently under facility to allow for existing capacity in the Leesport facility construction. The Shoemakersville Borough treatment facility to be utilized for growth in the service areas north of the was last upgraded in 1976. It currently provides 350,000 Borough. gpd of capacity, 150,000 gpd of which is allocated to Wolf Dye and Bleach Company. The remaining areas of the Township would be served by on-site systems where soils are suitable. These areas would The recommendations of the Act 537 Plan have resulted in be reserved for agricultural, open space and low density the construction of public sewers in the developed and rural uses with restricted development. This area would future growth areas of the Township along the Route 61 include the Lake Ontelaunee region of the Township. The corridor from Shoemakersville to the Windsor Township non-sewered portions of the Township fall under the line.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 47 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Under the five year sewer service plan, a combination gravity and low pressure sewer system is proposed. A low WATER SUPPLY pressure system utilizes small individual house pumps and small diameter pressure pipe to pump flow from small Public water supply in the planning area is limited to the pockets of development over high points more cost Borough of Leesport and very limited portions of effectively than a larger system pump station. The gravity Ontelaunee and Perry Township. The Borough of Leesport system would extend along both sides of Route. 61 and is served by a public water system owned, operated and along Main Street up to Oak Lane. Service would be maintained by the Borough. Water is supplied by four wells, provided to Zion Church Road up to the creek crossing, as two of which are located west of the Borough in Bern well as Perry Road, and Hall Road. Limited service would Township, and one of which is located east of the Borough also be provided to Zweizig Road. in Ontelaunee Township. Raw water is chlorinated at the wells. Treated water is stored in three covered reservoirs, or Capacity for this service area is to be provided by the is immediately fed to the distribution system as demand expansion of the Shoemakersville Borough to a capacity of requires. The system has 1.875 million gallons of treated 600,000 gpd. 200,000 gpd would be allocated to Perry storage capacity; average usage is 0.1 28 million gallons per Township and the remaining new capacity of 50,000 gpd day (mgd). The Borough’s service area includes the Borough would be reserved for Wolf Dye and Bleach Company. of Leesport, a small portion of Ontelaunee Township along PA Route 61 South (including the Schuylkill Valley School The remaining areas of the Township are zoned for rural District campus), and a small portion of Bern Township agriculture and restricted development. These areas will be southwest of the Borough. The system serves approximately continue to be served by individual on-site sewer systems. 1,700 persons, as well as several commercial and industrial Like Ontelaunee Township, Perry Township also has an On- establishments. Lot Management Ordinance to regulate the location and maintenance of such systems.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 48 IOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

The southern portion of Ontelaunee Township is supplied contracts for such services. In 1995, Pine Grove collected with public water from the City of Reading through the solid waste, while BFI collected recyclables. In the two Ontelaunee Township Municipal Authority. townships, individual homeowners must make their own, individual arrangements for solid waste disposal. Shoemakersville has a public water supply system, but service has only been extended to the Perry Meadows development in Perry Township at this time. The remaining OTHER UTILITY SERVICES areas in Ontelaunee and Perry Township are served exclusively by individual wells. Berks County is laced with a network of over 400 miles of electrical transmission lines ranging from 66KV to 500KV Although not directly serving as a water supply for the and some 570 miles of petroleum and natural gas pipelines. residents of the planning area, the region serves as a primary Sign ifican t concentrat ions of related transmission faci 1 it ies water source for the City of Reading and its suburbs. This and lines occur in the Berkley area of Ontelaunee source consists of Lake Ontelaunee located in Ontelaunee Township. and Maidencreek Townships. In addition to serving as a water supply, the lake provides recreational uses including Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), serves the planning hunting, fishing, hiking and picnicking. area. The Met-Ed system has interconnections with all bordering electric utilities throughout the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Power Pool. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL Natural gas for heating, cooking and other uses is supplied Leesport Borough is the only Planning Area municipality by two utilities. The Reading Gas Division of UGI which currently contracts for solid waste and/or recyclable Corporation serves the demand within the City of Reading, materials collection. The Borough negotiates multi-year 24 Boroughs and 26 townships surrounding the City. The

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP JOIN1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 49 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGROUN D STUDIES

Allied Gas Company supplies natural gas to 575 customers OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION and liquid petroleum (LP) gas to approximately 1,250 customers in the northern section of Berks, namely Hamburg The 1993 Berks County Open Space and Recreation Plan and Shoemakersville Boroughs, as well as portions of serves to augment the Berks County Comprehensive Plan. Centre, Perry, Tilden and Windsor Township. It is intended to be used as a guide for municipal officials, quasi-public organizations, and private interests regarding Telephone, data transmission and teletype services within decisions on development of future recreational facilities Berks County are supplied by several telephone companies. and in the preservation of open space and historic amenities Bell of Pennsylvania serves Shoemakersville and adjacent throughout the County. The Plan recommends the portions of Perry Township, while Commonwealth acquisition and preservation of important natural areas and Telephone Company serves Leesport Borough, Ontelaunee stream corridors through the County. High priority natural Township and the remaining portions of Perry Township. areas and stream corridors include two located in the Other service options available, depending on the local planning area: carrier, include voice mail, business systems, cellular telephone service, radio pagers, and digital telephone e Maiden CreeWPine Creek systems. e Schuylkill River

Television cable service within Berks is provided by four The Plan recommends protection of critical and unique carriers. Hamburg TV Cable serves the Hamburg and natural areas including high and exceptional quality waters, Leesport areas, as well as parts of Perry Township and upper Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index (PNDI) sites, wetlands, Ontelaunee Township. Berks Cable serves portions of lower floodplains, and watersheds. The Plan also recommends Ontelaunee Township. sensitive design techniques, such as cluster development, as a method to preserve open space and agricultural lands.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 50 IOIN 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ~~m~~~mmm~~m~mmrnn~=~

CHAPTER 2 BA CKGROU ND STUDIES

The Plan recommends the protection and preservation of As part of Open Space Plan preparation, survey historic sites and districts on or eligible for the National questionnaires were sent to municipal and school district Register of Historic Places. The Plan gives a detailed officials within Berks County. The results of these surveys, inventory of sites and districts on or eligible for the National as they relate to the Planning Area, are presented in the Register, and techniques available for their preservation. following two tables. (Land areas, however, have been updated based on the latest tax assessment records.) The Plan recommends a system of interconnecting greenways along natural areas and stream corridors School facilities supplement the supply of local recreation throughout the County. The greenways will connect major facilities in each municipality. The majority of the school existing recreational facilities with developed areas and can facilities are available for public use in non-school operating be used for hiking, biking, nature study, and other activities. hours. Most schools will require notice of the intended use while others might require group insurance coverage or a The Schuylkill River Heritage Park Project, along with the small fee depending on the use. two five mile segments of the Ferdinand K. Thun trail will run the entire length of the Schuylkill River from Pottsville As can be seen in Table 16, only Leesport Borough and to Philadelphia. The trail would connect various parks and Perry Township have municipally-owned and operated historical sites along the way. The Heritage Park Project is recreational facilities. The Leesport Playground, located on a five county cooperative initiative to interpret' the history Washington Street, includes a swimming pool, playing and heritage of the entire Schuylkill River Corridor. fields, picnicking areas, and playground/tot lot areas. The Education, recreation, history, tourism, and economic Borough's recreation area in Leesport Gardens is currently development are some of the goals of this project which is being developed to include 2.59 acres. The Perry Township based upon the common history and interdependence of Recreation Area is located on Onyx Cave Road. Facilities at communities within the Schuylkill River Corridor. the Recreation Area currently include playfields, tot lotlplayground and pavilion. Ontelaunee Township has no

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP /OINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 51 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Recreation Board nor any Township owned/operated recreational faci Iities.

As part of the preparation of this Joint Comprehensive Plan, a detailed Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan element was prepared. The level of detail of this element is such that is forms the legal basis for the three municipalities to require mandatory dedication of land as part of the local subdivision and land development review process. The entire Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan element is included as an Appendix to the Joint Comprehensive Plan.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 52 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLA N 53 CHAPTER 2 BA CKG ROUN D STUDIES

Track X

Auditorium X

II I I I ~~ II Auxiliary Gym / Racquetball X court

Gymnasium X X X

Library X X X

Rec.Room / Commons / All- X X Purpose Room

Swimming Pool X

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 54 /OINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

TRANSPORTATION form of a stagecoach between Reading and Philadelphia in 1789 which service peaked between 1826 and 1838. Transportation systems play important roles in location Transportation for goods and raw materials was necessary as choices for homes, schools, businesses, and manufacturing. a link between the productive inland and the costal markets. As Berks County developed, so did the county’s As the Schuylkill River became inefficient for the increasing transportation network. Indian trails were developed into volumes of goods and materials, primarily anthracite coal, dirt roads; a canal was developed along the Schuylkill River; the Schuylkill Canal, completed in 1822, provided the and the railroad revolutionized early transportation. necessary link from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia (the Delaware River). The .Union Canal, completed in 1828, As Reading and the surrounding Berks County areas provided the necessary link to the Susquehanna River. As developed, more regularly traveled routes were established the canals developed, the Reading and surrounding areas to other populated areas. The first of these developed became prime locations for storage and industrial facilities routes was the Centre Turnpike, today known as PA Route and their related residential and commercial uses. 61 which extended north from Reading through Pottsville in Schuylkill County and on to Sunbury in Northumberland Both the stage and canal eras were rapidly phased out with County. This route was extended in 1805. Other routes the 1842 completion of the Philadelphia and Reading included the Perkiomen extended southeast to Philadelphia Railroad lines from Pottsville to Philadelphia with various in 1810 and the Berks and Dauphin extended west to stops through Berks County including Shoemakersville, Harrisburg in 1817. For purposes of the LOP Leesport, and Reading. Comprehensive Plan, Route 61 will be isolated as the primary land route through the three communities. Technology out paced the transportation systems of the area. The introduction of the internal combustion engine sparked Other transportation systems that developed in the early many changes from the area. Farmers could cultivate larger development of the area included mass transportation in the areas in shorter periods of time. Conveyance of goods and

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOIN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 55 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES raw materials from rural areas to more urban areas where As all these transportation networks developed, the local ports and loading facilities from the canals and railroads roads and other facilities, such as parking, became outdated. were located became easier and more efficient. The Continuous improvement of the facilities resulted in the conditions of the roads dictated the efficiency of trucking transportation networks that are in place today. The these goods and materials to central areas. growing anticipated traffic volumes will result in continuous improvement of the transportation network. The In addition to the effect this internal combustion engine had transportation network includes a balance of rail and on local commerce, private or passenger vehicles allowed roadways. people to move further from their jobs. The sprawling created by the availability to commute longer distances in shorter periods of time created the need for trucks to carry EXISTING FACILITIES goods to the rural areas which developed their own commercial districts but did not have access to the canals or Roadway railroad. The benefits of lower shipping costs and more direct access by truck contributed to the decline of the use The primary roadways through the Leesport, Ontelaunee, of the railroad for local commerce. The decline of and Perry area include PA Routes 61, 73, 222 and 662, and anthracite coal use also contributed to the railroad's decline. SR 3055 (the "Road to Nowhere"). Their are four basic classifications of highways, based on how a particular These rurally developing areas also created the need for highway is used. Under Federal regulations, separate mass transportation to the more populated areas. Bus lines classifications are also applied to urban and rural areas. The began travelling regular routes which serviced oca1 and urban category applies to the urbanized areas within the intermunicipal areas. Federal Aid Urban Boundaries. Under the urban category, four street classifications were identified: (1) Urban Extension and Urban Principal Arterials; (2) Urban Minor

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 56 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LEGEND

RURAL/UR aAN - PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL

URBAN EXTENSION

RUfWL/URBAN -0- MINOR ARTERIAL

IRURAL MAJOR COLLECTOR RURAL MINOR 1111111111111111. COLLECTOR LOCALROADS

ROADWAY SYSTEM * IMNTORY LOCATION PROPOSED RT. 81 0 IMPROVEMENT LOCATION

LEESPORT BOROUGH RETTEW ONTEIAUNEE TOWNSHIP Associates, Inc. 5 TRANSPORTATION SURVEY MAP PERRY TOWNSHIP

JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1 Mapping Data Source: I PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH THE BERKS COUNTY PLANNINQ COMMISSION 0I emlwo aam T?m ANORTH CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Arterials; (3) Urban Collectors; and (4) Urban Locals. The different roads in order to prevent misuse and failure of the rural category applies to the non-urbanized areas of the system. Their are no Interstate highways located in the County. Four street classifications are also identified in the Planning Area, though 1-78 is reasonably close to the north. rural category: (1) Rural Interstates and Principal Arterials; Other roadways in the Planning Area are classified as (2) Rural Minor Arterials; (3) Rural Collectors; and (4) Rural follows: Locals. Table 18 defines the function of each of these classifications. The Transportation Survey Map identifies the Urban Principal Arterial US 222 (south of SR 3055) major system of highways and streets in the Planning Area based on the above classifications. Urban Extension PA 61 (in the Borough); SR 3055 ("Road to Nowhere")

Regardless of the classifications, the adequacy of the Urban Minor Arterial thoroughfare system is determined by the ability of roads US 222 (north of its junction with SR 3055); WalVMain Streets in Leesport Borough and highways to perform certain assigned functions of traffic movement. For example, the function of an arterial road is Rural Principal Arterial PA 61 (in the townships) generally to move vehicles from one point to another in an efficient, safe and rapid manner. More than any other type, Rural Minor Arterial PA 662 the arterial road illustrates the conflict between the movement of traffic and the land access function. The two Rural Maior Collector functions are incompatible. When volumes of traffic are PA 73 and PA 143 low and the density of the abutting development is low, the conflict is not serious. However, when traffic volumes are Rural Minor Collector high and the adjoining land is intensely used, the number Virginville Road (SR 1006) of points of conflict increases rapidly. It is therefore important to understand the appropriate functions of

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 57 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

The remaining streets and roads in the Planning Area are The most frequent use of Route 61 is by commuters from classified as local roads. northern Berks and Schuylkill counties to the job availability in the Reading area. Based on the 1980 census data, over In 1982, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation 2,300 work trips are generated from Schuylkill County. The (PaDOT) designated the most important through routes in majority of these trips use Route 61. Other routes such as the Commonwealth as the Priority Commercial Network Route 183 on the west side of the Schuylkill River (PCN). The network was subsequently expanded to become accommodate the balance of the traffic. the Priority Network System. This system includes the PCN, the industrial-Commercial Access Network (I-CAN), the Some problem areas that have developed along Route 61 as Agricultural Access Network (AAN) and the Dual Access the volume of traffic has increased include: Network (A&l) - for roads that serve both as I-CAN and AAN. U.S. Route 222, PA 61, PA 73 and SR 3055 are 0 In Perry Township, the intersection of Route 61 and classified as part of the Primary Commercial Network. These Zion's Church Road has been identified as a problem area. The poor available sight distance and awkward four roadways are also part of the National Truck Access intersection of Hughes Hill Road and Main Street Network (which allows tandem trailers). Park Road in with Route 61 has been the site of numerous Ontelaunee Township is classified in the Dual access accidents. network, while PA 143 and PA 662 are part of the Agricultural Access Network. PennDOT is currently proposing to change the grade of the intersection and to change the Hughes Hill Road and Main Street intersections. Despite Table 18 lists the Functional Classifications of roads in the numerous requests for a traffic signal at this Planning Area. These classifications are also identified in the intersection, PennDOT's recent studies do not Transportation Survey Map. indicate the need for a traffic signal at this intersection;

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

Table 18 IFunctional Classifications Classification Function lii Urban Extension and Urban Serves the major centers of activity of a metropolitan area, the highest traffic volume corridors, and the longest trip Principal Arterial desires. Carries the major portion of trips entering and leaving the urban area, as well as the majority of through movements desiring to bypass the central city.

The principal arterial system includes (1) interstate highways, (2) other freeways and expressways, and (3) other principal arterials (with no control of access).

Urban Minor Arterial Interconnects with and augments the urban principal arterial system. Also distributes travel to geographic areas smaller than those identified with the higher system.

Urban Collector Provides both land access service and traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas. Collects traffic from local streets and channels it into the arterial system.

Urban Local Comprises all facilities not on one of the higher systems. Serves primarily to provide direct access to abutting land

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 59 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

0 In Ontelaunee Township, recent improvements at Bridges West Huller Lane have provided more direct accessibility to industrial sites. Additional existing Bridges serve as critical links in the highway system - they problem areas occur along PA Route 61 in provide crossings of streams, rivers, railroads and other Ontelaunee Township at Bellman's Church Road (SR 401 7) and Mohrsville Road intersections. These highways. Numerous bridges are located on Federal and areas are of particular concern because of high State highways, and thus maintained by the Pennsylvania volumes of traffic on market day at the Leesport Department of Transportation. Several bridges fall under the Farmers Market; and jurisdiction of Berks County. The remainder are the responsibility of the local municipalities to maintain. 0 The Indian Manor Drive intersection in Leesport Borough shows similar concerns as the two intersections noted in Ontelaunee Township. Either functional or structural deficiencies can reduce a PennDOT has plans to address these concerns by bridge's ability to safely carry traffic. Physical attributes of a realigning and signalizing the Bellman's Church Road bridge which restrict its use are called functional and Mohrsville Road intersections and extending a raised center median approximately 150 feet south of deficiencies. Functional deficiencies include such things as the Indian Manor Drive intersection to allow "right- (1) insufficient width, which restricts travel lanes; (2) poor inhight-out" movements only at the intersection. vertical or horizontal alignment, which restricts visibility; or (3) inadequate vertical clearance. Examples of bridges with Other less critical concerns in the three municipalities will functional deficiencies in the Planning Area include the PA be discussed later in this section. PA 61 is discussed in 143 bridge over Maiden Creek at Virginville (narrow width); detail because it is the main line through the three the Wall Street bridge over the Schuylkill River in Leesport municipalities. (narrow width/horizontal alignment); and the Bowers Road bridge over Maiden Creek in Ontelaunee Township.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 60 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

In some cases, the physical structure of a bridge is incapable relied heavily on the rail system for delivery of goods and of handling a particular loading, which results in the posting raw materials as well as the shipping of goods and raw of load limits (a structural deficiency). Examples of posted materials to other areas. In some cases, the Commonwealth bridges in the Planning Area include (1) the Bower’s Road of Pennsylvania acquired several of the counties abandoned bridge (%ton weight limit, with trucWbus prohibition); (2) lines through the Department of Transportation. The the County bridge at Five Locks Road (3-ton weight limit Commonwealth owns approximately 24 miles of the with trucWbus prohibition); and (32) the PA 143 bridge at County’s abandoned lines and contracts the use of the lines Virginville (3 ton weight limit). to private operations. The primary provider through the Leesport, Ontelaunee and Perry areas is the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad which operates on the Schuylkill Secondary Line. The operation originally included service from Temple to Hamburg. The current service includes The rail system which extends through the three areas north through Pottsville and occasional recreational municipalities is part of the same rail system that contributed excursions up to Tamaqua. to the decline and ultimate demise of the Schuylkill Canal. Formerly the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, the The available rail service provides an efficient means of majority of the rail system is or was owned by Consolidated shipping goods and raw materials. The recent thrust in rail Rail Corporation (Conrail) which was formed by the Federal use could help revitalize the rail system however, as Conrail Government in 1973. The company was returned to the continues to abandon passenger rail lines, the ability to re- private sector in the 1980’s. establish safe, efficient and cost effective passenger service continues to be limited. In recent years, Conrail has abandoned many of the low volume tracks in the area. The abandonment of these lines has had detrimental effects on businesses and industries that

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 61 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO U N D STUDIES

A viation Reading Metro Taxi, Inc., located in Reading, provides demand response service to urban areas within ten miles of Aviation services to the Leesport, Ontelaunee and Perry area the City of Reading. This service is available in Leesport. are non-existent. There are no recognized air fields in these municipalities. The nearest facility for air transport is the Reading Regional Airport located along PA 183 in Bern Parking Towns hi p. The most overlooked component of transportation is parking. The ability to provide space for temporary vehicle Mass Transit storage while consumers use related facilities effects businesses, industries, residences and other means of The Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority (BARTA) transportation. is the local fixed route mass transportation service which serves the Reading and immediately surrounding areas. For many years, parking on streets and small lots was BARTA service to the Planning Area is limited to a bus route acceptable because the volume of vehicles was limited and on PA Route 61 serving the Ames Distribution Center and most families had only one wage earner. Today, as Leesport. households have multiple wage earners and vehicles, parking has become a critical issue. Capitol Trailways, a private carrier, provides a fixed route service from Reading through Pottsville, Scranton and Parking on many streets is limited or prohibited because Syracuse, N.Y. via Pa 61. This service has fixed stops in multiple travel lanes are required to prevent congestion Ontelaunee Township, Leesport and Shoemakersville on a created by the higher volumes of traffic. This limitation as daily basis. well as others has forced provisions for vehicle parking to be a frequently unwelcome requirement for development of

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 62 )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES any kind. The problems occur most frequently in urbanized and commercial uses are required to provide off-street areas specifically in commercial districts. The "Main Street" parking. This requirement addressed new development; type store fronts with limited parking capabilities require however, older existing uses have been overlooked. In centralized parking locations. The cost of operating and order to keep these older uses alive, parking must be maintaining these facilities is typically borne by the considered commu n ity-w ide. consumer in the form of parking fees or meters.

The impact is almost identical for employees of businesses Other Forms of Tranmortation in urbanized areas. The employees will often be required to rent parking space at public facilities if it is not provided Other than sidewalks in portions of the Borough, there by the employer. currently exists no identified system of pedestrian and bicycle ways to enable non-automotive traffic to flow freely The Ontelaunee and Perry areas do not typically experience and safely throughout the Planning Area. The ideal system these problems because of their rural agricultural make-up. for movement of pedestrians would be the provision of They have no real defined commercial business district. pedestrian ways, separated from vehicular traffic. Developing such a system, however, could require large Leesport experiences parking problems because of its areas of undeveloped land or the extensive acquisition of urbanization. The area has narrow streets and "Main Street" rights-of-way from existing landowners. The provision of type storefronts that mix with residential districts in the form separate bicycle paths meets obstacles similar to those of above-store apartments or storefronts that have been confronting the development of pedestrian ways. A changed to residences. reasonable solution is the identification of certain roadways as bicycle routes, with careful route selection and adequate Parking is an issue that can not be taken lightly in the safety precautions. planning and development of any area. Newer residential

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP ]OlN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 63 CHAPTER 2 BA CKGRO UND STUDIES

ROADWAY SYSTEM INVENTORY 0 replacement of the existing concrete mountable divisor with a concrete median barrier in unwidened areas

During the summer of 1995, Consultant personnel e addition of traffic signals at Bellman’s Church Road and conducted an in-depth field review of the existing roadway Mohrsville Road

network in the planning area. 37 intersections and/or 0 widening of shoulders to 10 feet for right turns at roadway sections were inventoried. The results of this field intersections where lateral constraints permit

review were used to identify proposed projects for the 0 lowering of grades to improve sight distances Transportation Plan. The inventory locations are identified The first public meeting for the project was held on October on the Transportation Survey Map (Map 5). 26, 1993. Subsequent to the initial public meeting, several changes were made in response to public input: PROPOSED ROAD WAY IMPROVEMENTS 0 vertical grades will be adjusted at Birch Hill Road and Zion’s Church Road to improve sight distance The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is currently e studying improvements to a 5.3 mile section of PA Route 61 the lengths of median barrier were adjusted in several locations to allow access to existing fire hydrants or water located in Leesport and Shoemakersville Boroughs and sources and to provide a clear landing area for emergency Ontelaunee and Perry Townships. The project area being helicopters

studied begins 300 feet south of Indian Manor 0 the unpaved section of Birch Hill Road will be paved to DrivdArlington Drive and ends 800 feet north of Zion’s allow residents access to northbound Route 61

Church Road. The proposed project involves the following: 0 a traffic signal at Zion’s Church Road was studied but does not warrant signals at this time; however, provisions will be included for installation of a future traffic signal 0 provision of protected left turns

0 elimination of left turns at several intersections where A subsequent public meeting was held on March 9, 1995. traffic volumes do not warrant exclusive left turns An environmental engineering consulting firm is currently

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 64 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - m Im - = m R - I. al - m CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES preparing a comprehensive environmental report for this PAST TRENDS project. After completion of the environmental report, and concurrence by regulatory agencies, the project will proceed During the five-year period 1990 through 1994, all three to final design. Construction on the project is anticipated to municipalities for the most part operated on a "pay-as-you- commence in early 1997. go" fiscal policy. Receipts (excluding cash and investment balances from the preceding year) generally increased from year to year. The earned income tax comprised the largest MUNICIPAL FINANCES portion of yearly receipts. Receipts from this tax have steadily increased as th.e municipalities' populations have The tax base of a municipality consists of those tangible grown and wages have risen. Other sources of tax income assets and activities located or carried on within its include real estate (property), real estate transfer, boundaries which can best be assessed by the local occupation, per capita and occupational privilege taxes. municipality in the form of taxes, licenses and fines to provide revenue for its operations. The level of municipal Non-tax revenues include license and permit fees; fines and operations and financial obligations is directly dependent on forfeits; interest, rents and royalties; departmental earnings; the sources available to the municipality for raising funds. grants and gifts; and other miscellaneous revenue receipts. The purpose for analyzing the three Planning Area municipalities' fiscal trends is to recognize the manner by Along with revenues, the total of all expenditures trended which each municipality finances its municipal services. Any upward through the five-year period. Recurring expenses, capital project recommended as part of this Comprehensive such as police and fire protection, wages, etc., generally Plan may depend in part on financing from the municipal increased on a year-to-year basis. Expenses for capital budget. improvements and repairs to municipal buildings and streets, on the other hand, fluctuated up and down with no set pattern.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP ]OlN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 65 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES

EXISTING LAND USE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTING LAND USE

For an area to plan for its future, it must have a good In general, land uses in the planning area include woodland understanding of its past, and of its resources. Prior sections areas, agricultural uses, residential uses, commercial uses, of this Chapter evaluated the physical aspects of the industrial uses, recreational areas, and community planning area, and identified a number of resources and facility/utility uses. (See Map 6.) constrain ts. For planning purposes, existing land use was divided into One of the most important elements of this Joint the following categories: Comprehensive Plan is an analysis of how land has historically been and is currently being used. This section e Woodland is an analysis of the planning area's existing land uses, or e Water e Agricultural/Undeveloped how land is being used today. e Residential e Single family residential The actual analysis utilized a number of different e Multi-family residential information sources. First, a map showing basic land a Mobile home park information had to be created. This map was created from e Commercial e Industrial data provided by the Berks County Mapping Office. This e Community facility map also included property ownership lines, roadways, major watercourses, and municipal boundaries. This map The planning area's growth has been heavily influenced by was then used as part of a "windshield survey", in which a number of factors, including the Schuylkill River; the City each property was assigned a specific land use category. of Reading and Boroughs of Shoemakersville and Hamburg; This survey was conducted in the summer of 1995. The Routes 61, 222, 662, 73, 1-78 and SR 3055 (major north- results of this survey are shown on Map 6.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101 N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I 66 CHAPTER 2 BACKGROUND STUDIES south and east-west arteries in Berks County); the availability activity includes the raising of field crops, dairying of utilities; and a history of agricultural activities. The and poultry operations. The agricultural areas take advantage of prime agricultural soils in both pattern of land use is characterized as follows: Townships. Large portions of these areas in Perry Township are included in the Agricultural Security Woodland Area. (See Map 3). As can been seen on the Existing Land Use Map, a significant portion (15 percent) of the total land area Residential of the planning area is wooded. The‘ largest This land use category includes dwellings on lots in contiguous tracts of woodland are located in the Lake planned subdivisions, dwellings in older, established Ontelaunee Watershed and along the slopes of the portions of Leesport Borough, as well as in the numerous stream valleys in the planning area. The Townships’ rural villages and hamlets, and individual planning area’s woodlands are the location for dwellings scattered elsewhere in the planning area. numerous permanent as well as seasonal dwellings, Also included in this category are mobile home and outdoor recreational uses. parks. As further detailed in the Housing section of this Chapter, the vast majority of the occupied Water dwelling units in the planning area in 1990 were Existing water features include the portion of Lake single family detached dwellings (73 percent). Ontelaunee located within the planning area, the Approximately 19 percent of all occupied dwelling Schuylkill River, Maiden Creek, and numerous other units were either attached or multi-family units. Less streams and farm ponds. than eight (8) percent of the occupied units were mobile homes. Agricul t ure/Undeveloped This land use category includes farms, farm dwellings The largest concentration of residential development and structures, and large tracts currently not in in the planning area in terms of the percent of total agricultural production. Geographically, this area land area is in the Borough of Leesport. Except for comprises the largest amount of land area in the Leesport Gardens, housing in the Borough is Planning Area. The dominant types of agricultural comprised predominantly of older structures on small

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lots. Most of the attached and multi-family dwelling category in the planning area is for the most part units in the planning area are also located in the either (1) located in the Borough of Leesport or (2) Borough. located along Route 61. Commercial uses are also located in the Berkley area and in scattered locations In the Townships, numerous residential lots have throughout the two Townships. Several commercial been created along the frontages of larger parcels, ventures are operated as accessory uses to residences which remain farmed in the remaining interior areas. and/or farm operations. The villages of Dauberville This type of land usage is economically attractive and Mohrsville and the Borough of Shoemakersville because it takes advantage of roadway access, but also provide commercial sources for Planning Area . creates an impression of less open space than residents. actually exists, because the developed frontage areas block views of farm areas. Industrial The industrial category includes uses such as Since average residential lot sizes are generally larger manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, and that those found in Leesport, considerably more land wholesale trade activities. Industrial uses in Berks area (acreage) is devoted to residential uses in County include heavy industrial (i.e. large - scale) Ontelaunee and Perry Townships. manufacturing and processing and light industry (small scale assembly and processing), such as and Commercial industrial parks. There are both heavy industrial Commercial uses include such uses as retail stores, (manufacturing/processing) and light industrial personal and business services, gas stations, facilities in the planning area. Examples of heavy restaurants, banks, offices, commercial recreation industry include Glen Gery, Pohl Corporation, Wolfe areas, and similar facilities. These facilities typically Bleach and Dye, Reading Tube, Royal Green, etc. require good vehicle access and/or good visibility. Examples of light industrial include Spring Ford Therefore, they generally gravitate towards heavily - Knitting, Quaker Maid, etc. In addition, there are travel led roadways, so customers, clients, and several large scale storage (such as the Ames employees can easily use the facility. Due to its Distribution Center and Tyson United Foods), vehicle location in relation to major transportation routes, and machine repair, and similar facilities scattered land area devoted to the commercial land use throughout the Township. The A To Z auto salvage

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operation on Ridge Road in Perry Township is also municipal buildings, U.S. Post Office, and other facilities classified as an industrial use. which provide publidsemi-public services. Examples of such facilities include the Union Fire Company, Schuylkill Valley Community Facility Ambulance, North Central Berks ALS Unit, Schuylkill Valley This category includes uses such as the Leesport School District Campus, and several churches/cemeteries. Borough Hall, the Ontelaunee and Perry Township

Industrial 43 8.1 513 8.4 306 2.6 862 4.7 Community Facility 43 8.1 359 5.9 243 2 .o 645 3.5 Totals 530 6,072 11,905 18,506 I Notes: Totals may not add due to rounding Sources: Berks County Mapping Office; Consultant’s Field Survey

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The Community Facility land use category also use may be somewhat affected by residential vehicles and includes public and quasi-public recreational uses. pedestrian traffic. Facilities in this land use category include such lands and uses as the Perry Township Recreation Area, It is also important to recognize that dissimilar adjacent uses Leesport Playground, and recreation facilities do not always represent conflicting land uses. For example, associated with schools and churches. Also included small-scale commercial establishments which primarily serve in this land use category are utility and transportation the needs of nearby residents may not come in conflict with related services. adjacent residential properties. In fact, the proper combination of small-scale commercial uses and residential properties created the foundation for the most successful LAND USE CONFLICTS towns and villages throughout Berks County.

The existing land use survey indicates that the planning area In the planning area, conflicting land uses are most has a wide variety of land uses. To avoid future land use prevalent along the Route 61 corridor. In this area, older conflicts, it is important to analyze the compatibility of residential properties are situated adjacent to large-scale adjacent uses and the causes of existing land use conflicts. commercial and/or industrial properties. To a lesser extent, residentiakommercial conflicts exist in the Borough of A land use conflict exists when one land use is adversely Leesport. affected by a neighboring use. One example of conflicting land uses would be an intensive industrial facility located in Throughout the two Townships, agricultural and residential a predominantly residential area. In this example, both uses uses are frequently found adjacent to one another. might be in conflict with each other. Nearby residents However, the most significant conflicts between these two would be adversely affected by increased truck traffic, noise, uses are generally limited to areas where larger scale and glare from lighting. In the same manner, the industrial residential subdivisions abut agricultural land.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Comprehensive Plan by attending a public meeting. This "kick off" meeting was conducted on May 24, 1995. To be effective, this Comprehensive Plan must reflect the Comments from citizens and municipal officials have been common goals of the residents of the Planning Area. These used to develop general goals regarding land uses, goals range from physical policies, such as the appropriate development, environmental protection, and other issues. use of land, to social and educational policies. Once these goals are formed, they represent a context within which decisions can be made regarding the use of land and the RESIDENT'S SURVEY conservation of resources. In addition to the public "kick-offl meeting, the Joint Since early 1995, the Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee Committee members decided to seek input from all of the has worked with concerned citizens and technical experts Planning Area's residents. Therefore, in the Summer of to prepare this Joint Comprehensive Plan for Leesport 1995, a Resident's Survey was circulated to all households Borough, Ontelaunee Township and Perry Township. As within the Planning Area. The Resident's Survey will serve representatives of the residents in the three municipalities, as a valuable tool for the Planning Area and will be the Committee must make some critical decisions about referenced throughout this Plan where appropriate. The where, when, and how the Planning Area will grow. The resident responses indicated a certain degree of disapproval first and most important section of this Plan is to clearly of some forms of residential and commercial growth. The articulate the goals and objectives of the Planning Area number of returned surveys was as follows: municipalities in terms of comprehensive planning for conservation and development. Leesport Borough 41 Ontelaunee Township 39 Perry Township -70 As a first step in the planning process, Planning Area TOTAL 158 citizens were invited to participate in developing the new

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The following represents a summary of the survey responses: forms of family outdoor recreation most frequently identified by the survey respondents. Areawide, 75 percent of the respondents had lived in their current municipality at least 10 years; over 0 Leesport residents ranked (1) peace and quiet and one-half had lived there over 25 years; (2) emergency services as the most important approximately 20% were born there. quality of life issues; in Ontelaunee Township, (1) rural lifestyle and (2) peace and quiet were the The vast majority responding indicated that their highest ranked; in Perry Township, "peace and property was used for residential purposes. quiet" was ranked fist, followed by "rural lifestyle". Good schools were also highly ranked 0 Near 80 percent anticipated that nothing different in all three municipalities. would happen to their land in the next ten years. When asked to identify public services needed in 24 percent of the Leesport Borough residents their respective municipality, Leesport residents indicated that they worked in the Borough, with ranked 24-hour police protection first, followed by an additional 44% working elsewhere in Berks minor road improvements; both Ontelaunee and County; 15 percent of Ontelaunee Township Perry Township residents ranked minor road residents worked in the Township, with an improvements first, followed by 24-hour police additional 46% working elsewhere in the County; protection. and 15 percent of Perry Township residents worked in the Township, with an additional 54% The highest ranked things identified as detracting working elsewhere in the County. from the Boroughfiownships were traffic (in Leesport); high taxes (in Ontelaunee Township) All residents of Leesport responding are served by and junk yards (in Perry Township). public water, while only 22% from Ontelaunee Township and none from Perry Township are. The rural/small town atmosphere and agricultural landscapes were the two most frequently All of the residents of Leesport responding are also mentioned things that survey respondents hoped served by public sewers, while only 12 percent would never change. from Ontelaunee Township and 6 percent from Perry Township are (or will be connected in the 0 If they could change anything, Borough residents immediate future). would want door-to-door mail delivery, and residents of both townships would like lower 0 Gardening and runnindwalking were the two taxes.

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0 In terms of the character of future development in plan, the first of which is a statement of community goals the Planning Area, the vast majority (94%) want and objectives: the agricultural areas protected from mass development. Only approximately onethird of the respondents were in favor of additional housing "The comprehensive plan, consisting of maps, development; the percentage of those in favor of charts and textual matter, shall include, but need additional commercial development ranged from 58% in Leesport, down to only 38% in Perry not be limited to, the following basic elements: (1) Township; only approximately one-third of the A statement of objectives of the municipality Planning Area residents were in favor of additional concerning its future development, including, but industrial development. not limited to, the location, character and timing of future development, that may serve as a statement of community development objectives KEY COMMUNITY LEADERS INTERVIEWS as provided in section 606 ....I' (Article Ill, Section 30 1, Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code The Consultant team also interviewed several key (MPC); Act 247, P.L. 805, of 1968, as amended community leaders (businessmen, etc.) to gain insights into by Act 170, P.L. 1329 in 1988). a variety of matters. The results of these interviews generally As empowered and directed by the sections referenced in supported the results of the Residents' Survey. In addition, the Pennsylvania MPC, and based on the public hearings the Planning Area was identified as a good location for and the analysis of community participation, municipal business ventures - due both to its transportation system officials of the three Planning Area municipalities have accessibility and its available labor pool. developed the following set of community development objectives:

STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY OBIECTIVES

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) has established the basic requirements for a comprehensive

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GENERAL GOALS To provide {or the safe, efficient and convenient movemei)t of people and goods. 0 To preserve the community character that makes the planning area and the individual municipalities To maintain and improve the economic base of the region and provide employment opportunities for unique, distinctive and identifiable places. all residents. To develop a coordinated land use pattern which provides a variety of uses, recognizes land capacity To provide needed community facilities, utilities and services of levels commensurate with a growing and respects natural features. population. To protect, conserve and preserve the open spaces, 0 To explore opportunities to cooperate with drainageways, floodplains and other natural neighboring municipalities in order to promote the resources of the region. economical and efficient provision of a// municipal services. 0 To preserve agricultural areas for agricultural use and maintain its importance in the local and regional economy. SPECIFIC 0BIECTI VES 0 To provide for residential and non-residential growth Natural and Cultural Resources Protection Obiectives in appropriate areas so as to avoid the problems of random development. 1. Preserve the natural features of the planning area by discouraging development in the area’s more 0 To maintain and improve a healthful residential environmentally sensitive portions. environment with adequate recreational, commercial and industrial supporting areas. 2. Preserve prime agricultural land by encouraging productive farming activities and farm-related To provide for the diverse housing needs of all planning area residents. businesses.

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3. Encourage land use and development patterns which the joint Comprehensive Plan. complement and accentuate the distinctive features of the planning area’s natural and cultural 9. Protect agricultural areas from encroachment by non- environment. farm activities that interfere with or prevent normal farming activities. 4. Encourage the preservation and protection of the planning area’s cultural, historic, architectural and 10. Regulate intensive agricultural uses to minimize archaeological resources. adverse impacts on adjacent residents and property owners. 5. Preclude the construction of public utilities or other public facilities in agricultural and other 11. Transform the scattered residential pattern which environmentally sensitive areas unless required to presently exists into more concentrated and alleviate an existing problem. iden ti fiab le res iden tial developments within the proposed growth areas. Land Use Obiectives 12. Limit the intrusion of incompatible nonresidential 6. Identify areas for future growth in the planning area uses into residential areas. and direct growth to theses areas. 13. Encourage economic diversity by reserving adequate 7. Create an orderly pattern of growth by encouraging land for commercial and industrial location in new development in areas which can be accordance with the Future Land Use Plan. economically served by utilities and roadways, while discouraging new development in areas where 14. Limit the number of new commercial centers and construction and service costs would be excessive. concentrate on effectively using and developing existing commercial centers. 8. Update the individual municipalities’s existing zoningand subdivisionlland development ordinances 15. Discourage spot commercial and strip commercial to guide future growth in a manner consistent with development along highways and encourage instead

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planned clusters of commercial development. TransDortation Obiectives

7 6. Encourage a wide range of industry -,, #i:J :!:;der to 21. Develop a area-wide circulation rysiem which serves assure a more balanced future economic base. existing and anticipated future land uses, provides maximum convenience of movement to the 1 7. Develop industry to modern standards with adequate population, and shapes the extent and direction of sites which will allow for future expansion, growth within the planning area. adequate off-street parking and loading facilities, and adequate buffer areas where adjacent to other 22. Support and assist the Berks County Planning uses. Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in planning and designing major Housing Obiectives thoroughfares.

18. Encourage the development of a full range of 23. Improve existing road patterns in order to handle housing types in order to meet the varying needs of increased traffic. all families, including a wide range of choices in housing types, costs and location. 24. Encourage the location of new roadway facilities in a manner which feasibly complements the Future 1 9. Encourage the rehabilitation, replacement or Land Use Plan. elimination of physically unsound or poorly located structures and facilities. 25. Provide adequate development controls to minimize any adverse impacts of future development proposals 20. Encourage housing and development procedures on the transportation system. (such as cluster and PRD) which in addition to protecting established values, permit experimentation 26. Eliminate "strip" development and on-street parking, in housing types, construction methods, new and effectively control driveway entrances on major materials and arrangement of units. thoroughfares.

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27. Provide for adequate off-street parking facilities and 34. Provide for adequate police protection to assure the safe pedestrian access in those portions of the welfare and safety of the residents in all parts of the planning area where warranted by traffic andlor planning area. specific land uses. 35. Support adequate fire protection and medical and 28. Concentrate local maintenance funds in areas of emergency service to all planning area residents. highest priority. 36. Continually review police, fire and emergency 29. Support the increased coverage and frequency of service needs and coordinate the provision of these public transportation service in the area. services with adjoining municipalities.

Communitv Facilities, Utilities and Services Obiectives 3 7. Encourage the development of adequate school facilities to serve the planning area’s school age 30. Develop a maximum relationship between the children. development of land and the provision of adequate public facilities. 38. Support educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all age groups. 31. Wherever feasible, provide public water and public sewerage service to adequately serve all existing or 3 9. Encourage cooperative planning and financing of potential growth areas within the planning area. recreational sites and facilities among the communities of the planning area and the region. 32. Preclude the extension of public sewerage andlor water service outside the designated growth areas 40. Provide mechanisms for discussion and choice except to alleviate an otherwise uncorrectable among the citizenry concerning the development of problem. the planning area and for citizen participation in public affairs. 33. Provide all feasible areas with adequate storm sewer facilities.

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THE IOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN but rather to build upon appropriate existing forms of develop ment. The Joint Comprehensive Plan is the Planning Area's guideline for future growth, and is based on the information The Future Land Use Plan recommends a desirable future contained in the preceding chapters. This chapter is pattern of growth by indicating what types of activities intended to show, in general categories, recommended types should be located within the Planning Area, as well as the of future land use for the next 10-20 years, proposals for intensity and spatial distribution of land uses. The Plan is transportation facilities, community facilities and housing. structured based on several influence factors. These include This chapter represents the culmination of the community (1) the existing pattern of land use; (2) the natural features goals and objectives, and reflects existing land use, of the Planning Area; (3) the existing and contemplated environmental constraints and potentials, transportation, transportation and utility facilities; (4) the importance of population projections, housing (i.e. "fair share"), agriculture to the Planning Area's economy; and (5) the community facilities, utilities and other elements. capability of Planning Area land to support additional growth.

FUTURE LAND USE PLAN The Future Land Use Plan is presented in the form of a map Direction in planning for future land use is given primarily showing land use categories similar to those in the Existing by the formulation of Development Goals which describe Land Use Map. This future land use map is intended to what is to be accomplished and policy statements form the basis for future rezoning actions, including (objectives) which outline the procedure to accomplish adjustments to the current zoning map. The underlying these goals. Future land use is heavily dependent on both premise behind the Future Land Use Map for the Planning the Planning Area's Community Goals and Objectives, as Area is to concentrate future development in (and around) well as the pattern of existing land uses. It is not the the Boroughs of Leesport and Shoemakersville and along the intention to create substantial changes in existing land use, PA Route 61 and U.S. Route 222 corridors, while preserving

~ LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP lOIN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 79 CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN the majority of the Planning Area's land area in agricultural, developed only at extremely low density and conservation, and rural uses. with appropriate conservation measures. Such measures could include zoning and subdivision/land development regulations to The following paragraphs describe the land use categories (1) require buffers from streams, (2) prohibit shown on the Future Land Use Map. (See Map 7). It must be . or greatly restrict development activities in remembered that the Plan is generalized and conceptual in areas of steep slope, (3) limit earth nature, and thus the boundaries of the various land use disturbance activities to minimize sedimentationhunoff into Lake Ontelaunee, categories are not meant to be exact. In addition, while a and (4) encourage the "Conservation particular land use category may be shown in one or more Subdivision" concept where limited of the Planning Area municipalities on the Future Land Use development is permitted. (The Conservation map, the specifics of implementation (through zoning) at the Subdivision concept approaches the individual municipality level may vary. development of a particular tract of land from the perspective of identifying - and avoiding - its uniquehignificant physical, natural and Conservation cu Itural features.) Certain areas of the Planning Area are identified for conservation. The purpose of Agricultural this category is to protect those portions of the One of the stated objectives of this Planning Area which should be reserved in Comprehensive Plan is "to preserve prime open space to protect environmentally agricultural land by encouraging productive sensitive areas - namely, the floodplains and farming activities and farm-related businesses". stream valleys of the Schuylkill River, Maiden This objective can best be achieved by Creek, and other Planning Area streams; the maintaining the land base upon which steep slope areas, and the Lake Ontelaunee farming depends. This land base needs to be Watershed. It is recommended that these large enough so that it generates a sufficient areas either be preserved in their market for agricultural support services. In undeveloped states or be permitted to be

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addition, non-farm land uses must be limited to minimize potential land use conflicts. so that conflicts with agricultural operations are minimized. The delineation, through zoning, of large blocks of agricultural land will also support The Agricultural category is comprised of the continued expansion of Perry Township's those portions of the Planning Area which are Agricultural Security Area, and can serve as predominantly prime agricultural land and/or the basis for the creation of an Agricultural currently in agricultural production. It also Security Area in Ontelaunee Township as includes wooded areas and other we1 I. environmentally sensitive areas encompassed by farmland. These areas are not planned to The proposed Agricultural area on the Future be served by public water and sewerage Land Use Map includes several areas which facilities, unless such facilities are required to are currently zoned for development. The solve water and/or sewage disposal problems most significant of these areas is in the not able to be alleviated otherwise. New northwest portion of Perry Township (west of development in agricultural areas should be PA Route 61), where existing farmland is limited, through strong agricultural protection currently zoned R-3 (Multi-Family Garden zoning regulations, to scattered, farm-related Apartments). The western portion of is area is residential uses (such housing for farm proposed instead to remain in agricultural use, workers) and other agricultural and and the eastern portion (adjacent to PA Route agriculturally-related activities (including on- 61) proposed for low density residential farm businesses, agri-business, etc.). The use development. The primary reasons for this of "sliding scale" regulations (as are currently proposed change are (1) the limited employed by Perry Township), with some accessibility of the area from PA Route 61 and modifications, is recommended to accomplish (2) the desire to concentrate higher density this objective. Such zoning regulations development closer to Shoemakersville should (1) prevent development on productive Borough's urban core. soils and (2) limit new non-farm development

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low Density Residential density of surrounding, existing development. The areas in the Planning Area proposed for The largest such area is located in the low density residential uses encompass the northwest portion of Perry Township (west of existing areas of such development along with PA Route 61 ), where existing farmland areas of logical expansions of these existing currently zoned R-3 (Multi-Family Garden areas. These areas include portions of Apartments) is proposed instead to be Leesport Borough west of the Schuyl kiI I River, developed in the future in low density as well as logical extensions along the PA residential use. Route 61 and U.S. 222 corridors, and are generally planned for the provision of public Medium Density Residential water and sewer service. This category is comprised of a greater variety of types of residential uses, ranging from This category is comprised mainly of single single family detached dwellings on small lots family detached residential development at to semidetached and two-family dwellings. densities ranging from one (1) dwelling unit These areas would be served by public water or less per acre (where public sewers are not and sewerage services. Anticipated residential available) to two (2) to three (3) dwelling .densities in the medium density residential units per acre (where public water and sewer areas would be in the range of four (4) to six service is available). (6) dwelling units per acre.

Most of the areas proposed for Low Density This proposed land use generally would be Residential use are already zoned accordingly. located in those portions of the Planning Area However, several areas currently zoned currently zoned R-2 (Medium Density otherwise are proposed as low density, due to Residential) and occupied by small lot single (1) lack of adequate transportation system family dwellings and duplexes. The medium access, (2) development constraints such as density residential areas are located (1) in the floodplains, steeper slopes, etc., and/or (3) a older section of Leesport Borough west of the desire for consistency with the character and River; (2) in northeast portion of the Borough,

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extending into Ontelaunee Township to the Zoning Ordinances currently in effect in north (beyond Indian Manor and Gernant’s Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee Township, Church Roads) and to the east (to Loose multi-family dwellings are also allowed by Lane). The largest undeveloped location special exception in the two municipalities’ proposed for medium density residential use Medium Density Residential districts. It is in the Planning Area is located adjacent to, proposed that the existing zoning provisions and north of, Shoemakersville Borough, in the be retained - but be strengthened to limit the area generally bounded by the Borough Line, amount (percentage of total proposed Hunter Legget Drive, Zweizig Road, and Main dwelling units) that can developed in multi- Street. family units.

High Density Residential Another form of high density development, This category is comprised of all types of mobile home parks, is provided for in residential uses, ranging from single family distinctly different types of zoning districts in detached dwellings on small lots, to semi- the three municipalities. The Perry Township detached and two-family dwellings, to Zoning Ordinance permits mobile home parks townhouses and garden apartments. These .in the R-3 (Multi-Family Garden Apartment) areas would be served by public water and District by special exception, while the sewerage services. Anticipated residential Ontelaunee Township Zoning ordinance densities in the high density residential areas permits them by right in the A-2 (Agricultural would be in the range of six (6) to fifteen (1 5) Res iden t ial) D ist r ict. dwelling units per acre.

The one specific location shown on the Non-Residential Development Future Land Use Map for this proposed land use category is in Perry Township northeast of The following sections describe different forms of mixed Shoemakersville, generally between Bellevue residen t ia I/co m me r c ia I, cornmer c ia I, and in d us t r ia I Iand use. Avenue and Allendale Road. Under the General recommendations relating to all such land use

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 83 CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN categories (as well as certain high density residential and a Other Performance Standards - in addition to the community facility uses), include the following: above, municipal ordinances should also be updated to include requirements aimed at minimizing the a Access - municipal ordinances should be updated to potential for negative impacts from noise, lighting, insure that access to major roadways (particularly dust, odors, etc., on neighboring uses. Routes 61, 73 and 662) be properly controlled to minimize potential problems from new development. Mixed Use This category represents a mixture of uses, a Landscaping and Screening - adequate controls including highway-oriented commercial uses, should be implemented to provide for adequate wholesaling businesses, retail and office uses, landscaping, screening and buffering of new etc., as well as single and two family development. dwellings and residential conversions. This proposed land use is located in the center of a Parking and Loading - adequate off-street parking and Leesport (east of PA Route 61, and along off-street loading space must be provided to support Wall, Canal and Center Streets) and along new development (including landscaping in large Mohrsville Road in Perry and Ontelaunee parking areas). Townships, and reflects the current character of that portion of the Planning Area. In a Planned Centers - planned shopping and Leesport, this area generally coincides with officdbusiness should be encouraged by the the currently-zoned CC (Community municipal ordinances, and "strip" development Commercial) Zoning District. While it is discouraged. Instead of splitting off numerous currently zoned agricultural in both individual lots with separate driveways entering onto townships, the proposed mixed use land use the major roadway, larger tracts should be designed category more accurately identifies the as unified sites - with common entrances, parking existing character along Mohrsville Road. areas, stormwater management facilities, signage, etc.

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Commercial two proposed commercial land use areas. The general Commercial land use is intended Heavy/H ighway commercial areas depicted to provide for a wide range of commercial on the future -Land Use Map include (1) the services, including retail stores, personal PA Route 61 corridor north and east of service shops, offices and clinics, etc. Shoemakersville Borough in Perry Township, Highway service-oriented and industrial-type (2) the 61 corridor through Leesport, (3) the uses are not included in this category. The west side of PA Route 61 between PA Route locations for this proposed land use include 73 and the Maiden Creek in Ontelaunee (1) the western side of the PA Route 61 Township, and (4) the Allentown Pike (U.S. corridor north of Leesport Borough, (2) the 222) and Park Road area, also in Ontelaunee Leesport Farmers Market, (3) the east side (for Township. for the most part, these areas the most part) of the 61 corridor between PA reflect portions of the Planning Area than are Route 73 and Snyder Road, (4) the southwest already similarly zoned. corner of Ontelaunee Township between West Huller Lane and the railroad, and (5) Light Industrial U.S. 222 corridor east of the SR 3055 This category is limited to light industrial uses, interchange. as well as warehousing, wholesale distribution centers, research and development Heavy/Highwav Commercial laboratories, and related offices and uses. This land use category is designed for Such activities should be generally compatible commercial uses which are generally with surrounding commercial, residential or dependent on highway traffic. The types of agricultural areas. The Planning Area’s uses in this land use category include offices, topography, transportation network, and utility financial institutions, personal and household services limit the locations where such sites service uses, offices of contractors/tradesmen, can be located. The proposed Light Industrial repair shops, motor vehicle sales, vehicle land uses in the Planning Area are (1) at the service stations, trucking and wholesaling intersection of PA Routes 61 and 662 in Perry businesses. This land use is the larger of the Township, (2) along PA Route 61 north of PA

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Route 73 in Leesport and Ontelaunee municipal buildings and grounds. The Townships, and (3) the Park Road corridor in locations of such uses on the Future Land Use southeastern Ontelaunee Township. Map reflect the locations of existing public and quasi-public uses in the Planning Area. General Industrial While several new facilities are discussed in This category includes general manufacturing the Community Facilities Plan, no new industrial uses, as well as light industrial uses, Iocat ions of pub Ii dq uas i-pub Ii c faci Iit i es have warehousing, wholesale distribution centers, been depicted on the Future Land Use Map. research and development laboratories, and Such facilities will be located as a result of related offices and uses. Such activities should future studies, or in conjunction with new be located in close proximity to major development, and as a result, are not able to transportation routes and rail lines, and be mapped at this time. should be separated from residential and other less intense uses. The areas proposed for such uses on the Future Land Use Map RELATIONSHIP OF THE PLAN TO ADIACENT conform to these locational requirements, and generally coincide with the three MUNIClPALlTl ES’ PLAN N I NG ACTIVITIES municipalities’ existing zoning. As was the Nine (9) municipalities border the planning area. Windsor case with the Heavy/Highway Commercial Township comprises the entire northern boundary of Perry uses, the General industrial uses are located Township (and the planning area). To the east are along the PA Route 61 and SR 3055AJ.S. 222 Greenwich and Richmond Townships, both adjacent to corridors. Perry Township, and Maiden Creek Township, which Communitv Facilities comprises the southeastern boundary of Perry Township and This category is comprised of public and the eastern boundary of Ontelaunee Township. The private institutional uses, educational facilities, southern border of Ontelaunee Township (and the Planning public utility facilities, religious and civic area) is comprised of Muhlenberg Township. Ontelaunee activities, active recreation facilities and

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Township and Leesport Borough are bordered on the west single family dwellings (on minimum one-acre by Bern and Centre Townships. Although the Schulykill lots) by right. In addition, intensive agricultural operations, mobile home parks, River serves as the natural boundary for all of Ontelaunee and certain community facility uses are Township and parts of Leesport Borough. West Leesport is permitted by special exception. A small "C-2 the only portion of the planning area located west of the General Commercial" district straddling Route Schuylkill River. The western boundary of Perry Township 61 abuts Perry Township. An "A-C consists of Centre Township (to the southwest) and Tilden Agriculture-Conservation" district (with minimum five-acre lot size) lies between the Township (to the northwest). In addition, Perry Township commercial area and the Schulykill River. surrounds the Borough of Shoemakersville on three sides. Virtually all of the land in Perry Township which borders Windsor Township is proposed Future land use plans and/or zoning ordinances of these for continued agricultural use. The only adjacent municipalities were considered during the course potential conflict between the two would occur if large numbers of single family of the development of this Joint Comprehensive Plan. For dwellings were constructed in Windsor the most part the future land uses proposed for the Planning Township adjacent to the more strictly zoned Area are compatible with the planning activities of adjacent agricultural areas in Perry Township. municipalities. The following is a brief discussion by municipality of the proposed land uses bordering the Greenwich Township - The Maiden Creek forms Perry Township's eastern border with Planning Area: both Greenwich and Richmond Townships. The entire portion of Greenwich Township Windsor TownshiD - Windsor Township forms located adjacent to the planning area is zoned the northern boundary of Perry Township. "Agricultural Rural Preservation," which Virtually all of Windsor Township adjacent to permits agricultural and nursery operations the planning area is zoned "A - Agriculture". (excluding mushroom farming) and single This district permits agricultural uses and family dwellings (on minimum 1.5 acre lots).

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Industrial uses, mushroom farms, and selected bordering all of Perry Township and community facility uses are permitted by Ontelaunee Township south to railroad (near special exception. All of the land in Perry Bewley Lane), including the Lake Ontelaunee Township located on the west bank of the Watershed, is zoned "Agricultural". The Maiden Creek is proposed for continued Agricultural zone is a strong agricultural agricultural and/or conservation uses. preservation zoning district, incorporating a "sliding scale" which greatly restricts the Richmond Township - The Richmond number of new lots which can be created. A Township Comprehensive Plan identifies the small portion of Maiden Creek Township, majority of the land east of the floodplain of located between the railroad and U.S. 222, is the Maiden Creek adjacent to Perry Township zoned for "R-2 Moderate Density Residential" for "Woodland-Conservation" or "Rural- and "CR - Commercial Residential" uses. The Agricultural" use. Neither of these land use area from U.S. 222 south to the southernmost types are proposed for any kind of intensive rail line is zoned "SIA - Special Intensified development. The only concentrations of Agricultural", which provides for agricultural existing development in Richmond Township operations that are more industrial in nature - near the planing area are the villages of such as mushroom farming, poultry/egg Virginville and Moselem. As was the case production, etc. Proposed land uses in Perry with Greenwich Township, all of the land in and Ontelaunee Townships are very Perry Township located adjacent to Richmond compatible with adjacent zoned lands in Township is proposed for continued Maiden Creek Township. Agricultural and agricultural and/or conservation uses. conservation uses are proposed south to rail line north of Snyder Road in Ontelaunee Maiden Creek Townshio - Maiden Creek Township. From that point south, low density Township forms part of the southern boundary residential, commercial and light industrial of Perry Township, as well as the eastern uses in Ontelaunee generally coincide with boundary of Ontelaunee Township. The entire similar uses to the east in Maiden Creek northern portion of Maiden Creek Township, Township.

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Muhlenbern Township - Muhlenberg Bern Township - Bern Township forms the Township forms the southern boundary of southwestern boundary (across the Schuylkill Ontelaunee Township, and the planning area. River) of Ontelaunee Township, and Zoning along Muhlen berg's steep1y-sloping encompasses West Leesport. The extreme southeastern boundary with Ontelaunee southeastern portion of Bern Township, south Township is "R-1 Residential", which of Cross Keys Road, is currently zoned "IR - designates areas of more rugged terrain in the Institutional / Recreational". This zoning Township where only low density residential district has a minimum lot size of five acres, development is anticipated. A "Specialized and is reserved for institutional and Agricultural" district is located between U.S. recreational uses. 'The area in Bern Township 222 and the R-1 district. This district provides from Cross Keys Road north to Sillman Road an areas for the growing and processing of is zoned "RR - Rural Residential". The intent mushrooms, although other forms of of this district is to 'I... permit limited agriculture, along with residential dwellings residential development at low densities in an and some community facility uses are also area predominantly characterized by farmland permitted. The portion of Muhlenberg and wood land." Only single family dwelling Township between Leesport Avenue and U.S. are permitted in this district. An "UR - Urban 222 is zoned for commercial uses, with a Residential" district surrounds all of Leesport "C-3 Highway Commercial" district straddling Borough located west of the Schuylkill River. U.S. 222, and a "C-2 Shopping Commercial" This zoning district provides for higher density district to the west. All of the remainder of residential development - ranging from single Muhlenberg Township which borders the family detached dwellings to townhouse, planning area to the west is zoned "LI - apartment houses, and mobile home parks. Limited Industrial". Proposed land uses along The Schuylkill River serves as a natural buffer Ontelaunee Township's southern boundary between Bern and Ontelaunee Townships. with Muhlenberg Township for the most part The portions of Leesport west of the River mirror zoning designations in Muhlenberg. which are located adjacent to Bern Township are all identified for low density residential

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uses - which is generally compatible with the Tilden Township - A small portion of Tilden "Urban Residential" zoning category in the Township is located across the Schuylkill Township. River on the western boundary of Perry Township. The small portion of Tilden Centre Township - Centre Township is Township located between the Centre located on the western side of the Schulykill Township line and the Berne Bridge is zoned River, bordering portions of all three planning "R-2 Residential", which permits agricultural area municipalities. Virtually all of Centre uses and single family dwellings by right, Township adjacent to the river is included in along with residential clusters and selected the "R-2 Suburban Residential" district, whose community facility uses by special exception. purpose is to "encourage residential The remaining portion of Tilden Township development which will blend in with adjacent to the planning area is zoned "OS - existing uses." Permitted uses in this district Open Space", which permits agriculture and include farmi ng/agri cu Iture, single fam iI y low intensity parks and recreation areas, but detached dwel Iings, semi-detached dwel Iings, prohibits any buildings. The Schuylkill River planned residential developments (PRDs) and provides a natural buffer between the two mobile home parks (by special exception). townships. The extreme northeastern corner of Centre Township is in the "R-1 Farm" district, which Shoemakersville Borough - Perry Township encourages conservation of the rural surrounds Shoemakersville Borough on three character. As is the case with Bern Township, sides. The portion of the Borough adjacent to the Schuylkill River serves as a natural buffer Perry Township, along Route 61 is in between it and the two Planning Area commercial uses. The majority of the townships. The portion of Centre Township remaining portions of the Borough adjacent to located adjacent to the proposed low density the Township line are zoned for residential residential areas in Leesport Borough is zoned uses. The proposed Perry Township land use "Suburban Residential". located adjacent to the Borough are generally consistent with the Borough's zoning.

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Berks Countv - The Berks County land uses in the Planning Area, as depicted on Comprehensive Plan Revision (December the Future Land Use Map, is consistent with 1991) included a proposed Berks County the land use proposals in the County Plan. Land Use Plan for the Year 2010. The County Plan identifies the Schuylkill River and numerous stream valleys as Environmental TRANSPORTATION PLAN Hazard Areas and portions of the Lake Ontelaunee Watershed as Environmentally The following is a summary of the recommended Sensitive Areas. The vast majority of Perry Township and the northernmost portion of improvements resulting from the Planning Area roadway Ontelaunee Township are proposed for inventory conducted in the summer of 1995. In some cases,

Agricultural Preservation in the County Plan. specifically along PA 61 I improvements have already been Future growth areas in the County’s plan are designed and are currently scheduled for implementation by proposed around the Boroughs of Leesport the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). and Shoemakersville in Ontelaunee and Perry Townships, respectively, between the Penn DOT’s proposed improvements includes Iimiting cross- Schuylkill River and Route 61 south of access at various locations along PA 61; construction of a Leesport, and throughout southern Jersey Barrier; improvements including signalization at three Ontelaunee Township south of the Lake intersections along PA 61; left turn lanes where warranted; Ontelaunee Watershed. Limited development and minor grade adjustments at several of the intersections. areas identified on the County Land Use Plan Map include area surrounding the Lake The recommended improvements are categorized by Ontelaunee Watershed in Ontelaunee municipality within the planning area. Township; the Birch Hill Road/Shoemakersville Road area in Ontelaunee and Perry Townships; and the Stone Hill Road and Virginville areas in Perry Township. The proposed distribution of future

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PROPOSED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS signal at this intersection as it does not currently meet warrants. However, the conduits and similar PERRY TOWNSHIP facilities for future signalization of the intersection will be installed as part of the proposed PA 61 1. PA 61 and Hughes Hill Road - (area designated as improvements. The improvements currently proposed #22 on the inventory map). This intersection falls on for the intersection include the addition of left turn or near the PerryWindsor Township line. While this lanes on PA 61 for both Northbound and intersection is not included in PennDOT’s plans for Southbound traffic. The intersection with Main Street improvements to PA 61, the area directly serves and Hughes Hill Road will be realigned. A spur residents of Perry Township. As the problem appears intersection will be utilized to access these roads. to be primarily related to left turns from Northbound The spur will be aligned directly opposite the PA 61 and left turns from Hughes Hill Road because intersection with Zion’s Church Road In addition to of lack of sight distance and the skew of the the realignments, the grades will be lowered on both intersection, it is recommended that Perry Township PA 61 and the local approaches to increase sight work with Windsor Township and PennDOT to (1) distance. eliminate the left turns or (2) improve the sight distance by realigning Hughes Hill Road or working It should be noted that PennDOT intends to evaluate to improve the approach grade on PA 61. the traffic flow at the intersection again before making a final determination on whether or not a 2. PA 611Zion’s Church Road/Main Street/Hughes Hill traffic signal will be installed as part of this Road - (area #23). This intersection has been of maintenance project. concern for a long time. Very few drivers try to enter PA 61 from this intersection because of the 3. PA 61 and Bellevue Avenue - (area #24). This limited sight distance. In addition to the sight intersection is a problem because of left turns and distance, the configuration of Main Street and cross traffic. Traffic must cross two or four lanes. Hughes Hill Road is a problem because of the The PA 61 approaches do not currently have alignment the roads have with each other and with protected turning lanes. PennDOT is planning to PA 61. PennDOT is not intending to install a traffic install left turn lanes for both northbound and

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southbound traffic and to make some minor grade problem. adjustments to the western approach. PennDOT is proposing to construct designated left 4. PA 61/Ridge RoadlChurch Avenue - (area #25). This turn lanes for northbound and southbound PA 61 intersection has poor approach sight distance and traffic. This will greatly reduce or eliminate the rear- unprotected left turns. PennDOT is planning to end collision hazard for PA 61 traffic; however, the construct designated left turn lanes on both left turns and cross traffic from Shoemakersville Road northbound and southbound PA 61. Some minor will still have limited sight distance. Perry Township grade adjustments are also proposed for the Ridge should work with PennDOT to develop a sight Road approach. The adjustments should improve the distance improvement strategy including grade sight distance. adjustments to PA 61 and Shoemakersville Road along with any required earthwork to remove the The Church Avenue approach intersects PA 61 at a embankments adjacent to the intersection. skew. Sight distance for vehicles turning left onto PA 61 northbound is limited because of the skew. 6. The County Bridge at Five locks Road - (area #21). While PennDOT has no plans for restricting this This bridge is showing signs of deterioration and movement, Perry Township and Shoemakersville .neglect. The bridge is currently posted with a 3-ton Borough may want to consider discussing this issue weight limit. Perry Township should work with the with PennDOT to possibly prohibit the left turns. County in making the necessary repairs to this The intersection is located in Perry Township; bridge. The bridge deck appears to be in need of however, Church Avenue predominantly serves the repair and resurfacing. While the Township has little residents of Shoemakersvil le. or no jurisdiction on this structure, it does serve the residents of the Township. Efforts to upgrade and 5. PA 61 and Shoemakersville Road - (area #26). This maintain the structure should be implemented as intersection has very limited sight distance for soon as possible. A maintenance program should be northbound and southbound vehicles on PA 61. The developed for the structure and the repairs

recent installation of advance warning signs on PA ' recommended as a result of regular inspections 61 appears to have helped alert drivers to the hazard; should be performed in a timely manner. however, the warning lights have not solved the

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7. Water Street Railroad Crossing (grade crossing) - 8. Water Street Railroad Underpass - (area #19). This (area #20). This location is very hazardous. While location has very limited sight distance caused by the Water Street does not appear to be as heavily used as right angle turns and the view obstruction created by most of the other roads in Perry Township, it is a the rail overpass structure. The width of the road is primary access for a large area of land that may be a maximum of 15’ and has an under clearance of developed in the future. The severe right angle turns 1 1’-6”. It would be difficult and costly to upgrade and approximate 20% to 30% grade on the western the structure to eliminate the traffic hazard. approach restrict the available sight distance. In addition to the restricted sight distance, the narrow The recommended improvements to this area include section of road that crosses the tracks does not allow restricting the area to a one-lane underpass by adequate space to avoid an oncoming vehicle. installing stop signs and signs advising motorists to yield to traffic in the underpass. Other Perry Township should work with PennDOT improvements, including storm drainage upgrades, (believed to have assumed responsibility for the should also be considered. Schuylkill Secondary Line) and Conrail to adjust the approach grades of the crossing and to realign the 9. Kerns Road between Heather Road and Birch Hill crossing to allow for easier maneuverability through Road - (area #lo). This area is very narrow, 13’ - 15’, the crossing. As the area served by Water Street and is currently two-way. Because the section of develops in the future, consideration should be given road is limited in length and there is not much area to the installation of a crossing signal at this location available for widening, it is recommended that this if the rail lines are still in service. The installation of section of the road be considered for a one-way a signal prior to any grade or alignment adjustments restriction. The restriction is recommended in a would make the area safer for conflicts between rail northerly direction from Heather Road to Birch Hill and motor vehicles but would not address the Road The restriction does not appear to present a conflict between vehicles on opposing approaches to severe imposition for the few properties served by the crossing. the section of road.

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10. PA 6621Dreibelbis Mill Road/Skyline Drive - (area 11. Windsor Castle Road at Windsor Township line - #38) This intersection is a heavily used area. (area #37). This section of road is winding and Because this area will more densely develop in the narrow. In addition, the outside lane is 1’ to 2’ future, improvements at this intersection are wider than the inside lane. The road should be essential. The intersection of PA 662 and Skyline widened. The widening should preferably occur Drive’s southern approach appears to be a problem along the inside edge of the road. This will aid in area because of the limited sight distance and the improving sight distance as well as providing a wider approach grades from the south and west. (While travel area for vehicles. Shoulder grading should sight distance has recently been improved at Skyline also be performed to help provide improved Drive by removing the bank, it could be further drainage. improved by grade alignment.) Unfamiliarity with the area could lead drivers headed east on PA 662 to 12. Windsor Castle Road south of Fairview Road - (area enter Skyline Drive especially at night. The #36). This section of road has a severe curve that Dreibelbis Mill Road intersection on the north side of limits sight distance and hides at least one driveway. PA 662 provides a broad intersection opening. The The sight distance is reduced because of a high lack of a visual barrier creates a hazard that allows embankment. The embankment should be cut back motorists too much freedom in choosing a travel as much as possible. In addition, the Township path. In addition, the sight distance from Dreibelbis should consider widening the road on the inside of Mill Road looking east on PA 662 is very limited. the curve to help improve maneuverability. Consideration should also be given to the installation It is recommended that Perry Township work with of warning signs recommending a reduced speed and PennDOT to realign the approaches to the advising of the hidden driveway. The curve sign intersection and to adjust the grades to provide better should recommend a reduced speed of 15 mph. sight distance. There appears to be adequate area available for both major and minor adjustments of 13. PA 662 between West Shore Drive and Windsor these roads. It appears that PA 662 and Skyline Castle Road - (area #28). The area in question is a Drive are in, need of the most adjustment. severe curve that is currently posted with a 15 mph warning sign. It appears that traffic does not obey

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the warning sign. This is a problem, especially for 15. PA 662 and Ontelaunee Trail - (area #31). This southbound vehicles, because it causes the vehicles area’s predominant problem is the limited sight to veer into the northbound lane. It should also be distance experienced on all approaches. There is a noted that some northbound traffic cuts the corner severe vertical curve east of the intersection that short by cutting through the southbound lane. appears to be the cause of the limited sight distance. Improvements recommended at this location include It is recommended that the grades on the eastern straightening and widening the curve. If enough approach be adjusted accordingly to raise the travel area is provided for vehicles to maneuver elevation of the approach. This change will increase through the curve at the posted speed limit, the the sight distance. The Township should work with problem will be greatly reduced. Another option PennDOT to address this area. would be to lower the speed limit on the road (if warranted). The Township should work with 16. PA 143 Bridge to Virginville - (area #32). The bridge PennDOT to address this area. at this location is currently a one lane bridge with a 3-ton weight limit. Plans for the replacement of the 14. PA 662 and West Shore Drive - (area #29). The main bridge are being implemented. problem at this location appears to be the adverse grades traversed when making a left turn from 17. PA 143 and Virginville Road - (area #33). Vehicles eastbound PA 662 onto West Shore Drive The turning right from PA 143 on to Virginville Road problem appears to be somewhat related to the must traverse steep right turns. Because of the alignment of PA 662 at this location. It appears that grades and the topography of the surrounding areas, PA 662 should be straightened or the lines of the widening the road and making grade adjustments curve should be smoothed. In addition, the West would be costly and difficult. The major concern in Shore Drive approach should have some minor grade the area is the deterioration of the roadway that adjustments. While sight distance appears to be appears to be caused by the movements required to adequate, it could be improved. The Township travel the road. It is recommended that the paving should work with PennDOT to address this area. be repaired and maintained in order to minimize the effort required to negotiate the area. The Township should work with PennDOT to address this area.

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18. Virginville Road and Witchcraft Road - (area #34). in poor weather conditions. Widening the eastern The road surface at this intersection is difficult to side of the intersection would also help reduce the negotiate because of the adverse paving grade skew. transitions, especially at the northwest corner of the intersection. The grades of the roads and the skewed 20. Mohrsville Road - (areas #17 and #18). These areas angle of intersection appear to be the primary cause are sections of roadway that appear to be prone to of the problem. Realignment of Witchcraft Road to flooding because of their location with regard to the reduce the angle of intersection with Virginville Road Schuylkill River. While these sections of roadway would be the best solution; however, the size and are approximately 15’ above the mean elevation of use of the adjacent properties would make this the river, They are low in the drainage basins and difficult and costly. It is recommended that the grade appear to have inadequate culverts to convey the on Witchcraft Road be adjusted to reduce the upstream flows to the river. The flooding of these severity of the transition and that minor adjustments locations has also caused the roadway to deteriorate. in the northwest corner of the intersection, including It is recommended that the culverts across the road widening, would reduce the problems at this be upgraded as necessary and that the road be intersection. Consideration should be given to reconstructed with an open graded subbase. The obtaining the property to realign Witchcraft Road if open graded subbase would allow the excessive the property becomes available. flows to be conveyed through a layer of stone and would limit the amount of water that ponds on the 19. Grandview Road and Fairview Road - western upstream side of the road. intersection - (area #35). The main problem in this area is the road grades. Fairview Road has a grade 21. PA 662 and Stitzel lane - (area #30). This of approximately 15%. This in combination with the intersection’s problem is not as much related to skewed angle of the intersection creates undesirable alignment as it is the degree of curvature on the conditions, especially in winter months. The sight through movement on PA 662. The curve located at distance at this intersection appears to be adequate. this intersection is narrow and provides limited sight It is recommended that consideration be given to distance. Large trucks frequently use both lanes to adjust the grades at the intersection to make it safer maneuver the curve. It is recommended that the

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curve be widened; however, there is limited area at the northern intersection of PA 61 and Indian available for widening. The intersection may meet Manor Drive (area #12) will be prohibited. The warrants for multiple stop controls. The multiple traffic signal will also allow easier left turn stop controls will help ease the sight distance movements from Bellman’s Church Road onto PA 61 problem but will have limited impact on the degree south, as left turns from the southern intersection of of curvature and the maneuverability of the curve. Indian Manor Drive onto PA 61 south will be It is recommended that the Township works with prohibited. PennDOT to make improvements including widening or possible realignment of PA 662. 3. PA 61 south of Orchard lane - (area #7). This area is of limited concern because of the potential for ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP development. There is a vacant lot adjacent to the existing gas station/convenience store. The 1. PA 61 and Mohrsville Road - (area #11). This development of this lot could potentially create too intersection is heavily used on a daily basis, many entrances to a major artery in a relatively small especially on Wednesdays when the Leesport section of PA 61. The Township should work with Farmers’ Market is open. Northbound PA 61 traffic PennDOT to try to develop a parallel access drive to desiring to make a left turn onto Mohrsville Road has enter this and other properties from the rear by using no designated left turn lane. Rear end collisions are the existing protection of the traffic signal at Orchard not uncommon. PennDOT has proposed to Lane. construct a designated left turn lane at this intersection. PennDOT is also proposing to install a 4. PA 61 and PA 73 - (area #6). This intersection is traffic signal at this intersection. very heavily used. The main concern is that future development in this area, including Berks Products 2. PA 61 and Bellman’s Church Road - (area #12). Quarry, the Schuylkill Valley School campus, and PennDOT is proposing to signalize this intersection properties adjacent to the Ames warehouse facilities and to provide designated left turn lanes for both will greatly increase the use of this intersection. The northbound and southbound PA 61 traffic. The Township should work with PennDOT to monitor southbound turn lane will be necessary, as left turns this intersection and to maintain the road surfaces in

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order to keep the intersection safe. 7. Willow Creek Road - (area #3). This road is important because it is the main access to several 5. PA 61 and Snyder Road - (area #2). This intersection large properties in the southeast portion of the is frequently the site of rear end collisions. There is Township. The road is narrow and surrounded by no protected left turn lane for the heavy southbound wet areas. The road is difficult for the Township to PA 61 left turn movement. The southbound maintain, yet it has the potential for being very approach sight distance is also limited for the speeds heavily used if any of the larger properties that it typically experienced on this section of PA 61. serves would be developed. It is recommended that Traffic making the right turn from Snyder Road onto the Township develop a plan, including an northbound PA 61 sometimes creates a problem implementation schedule, for this road. The plan during peak traffic periods. The township should should address drainage, geometry and work with PennDOT to develop a plan to provide environmental issues. left turn lanes for both northbound and southbound PA 61 and possibly provide a traffic signal at this 8. Heffner lane and Slater Road - (area #4). This location. intersection is awkward because of the skew and the location in reference to the railroad crossing. The 6. PA 61 and Berkley Road - (area #l). This poor sight distance at this location is compounded by intersection is frequently used by trucks. There is the larger trucks that serve the local intensive type limited sight distance on both the northbound and agriculture located east of the intersection. The southbound PA 61 approaches as a result of a Township should consider widening the intersection railroad bridge near the southbound approach and to adjust the alignment of Slater Road. This will the road grades on the northbound approach. The improve sight distance. Township should consider working with PennDOT to eliminate the movements at this intersection and Slater Road had considerable maintenance performed make improvements to parallel roads to allow the on it in 1990, including base repairs, minor traffic to utilize a signal at the Snyder Road widening, levelling and overlay. The deterioration of intersection (as noted in No. 5 above). this road appears to be related to the truck traffic, even though it is limited, and the fact that the trees

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along certain sections of the road shade the road and improving sight distance at this intersection. In prevent it from drying after storm events. The addition to the sight distance improvements, the Township should consider posting a weight limit on Township should consider posting weight limits on Slater Rd. and requiring trucks that use the road to the roads and requiring bonding from the trucks that bond against damage. the Township should also use the roads to repair any damage caused by the consider removing some of the trees along the road. trucks.

9. Bower’s Road Bridge - (area #5). This steel bridge is 11. Kerns Road and Ontelaunee Drive - (area #9). The currently posted with a 3 ton weight limit. In turning movements at this intersection have very addition to the weight limit, the approaches to the limited sight distance. The limited sight distance bridge are awkward and the road is narrow. The appears to be a result of the adverse grades of the Township should consider replacing or upgrading the roads and the location of the intersection with regard bridge to a allow for a minimum 10 ton weight limit. to the curve on Ontelaunee Drive. Traffic turning Replacement of the structure would allow the left from the southern approach must blindly cross approaches to be better aligned and the road could the southbound traffic lane. The Township should be widened. The 10 ton weight limit would permit consider adjusting the grades of the roads, especially school buses to use the route to better serve the Kerns Road, and improving the sight distance by residents in the southeast portion of the Township. widening the inside of the curve adjacent to the gun club property. It may also be necessary to prohibit 10. Ontelaunee Drive and Kindt Corner Road - (area the left turn from Ontelaunee Drive on to Kerns #8). This intersection appears to be a heavily used Road. area as a result of the Ames distribution center. The sight distance at this intersection could be improved. 12. Farm Market Access - In order to ease some of the The road surface is severely weathered, creating a congestion created by the volume of traffic entering slippery surface in any wet weather conditions. This and leaving the market, an additional access may be intersection and the surrounding roads were not constructed to connect the market to either Loose designed to accommodate the amount of traffic they Lane or Kindt Corner Road. It appears that the experience. The Township should consider market property has frontage or access to frontage on

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both of these roads. This additional access to the approach grade of Shackamaxon is awkward because market would help ease congestion for traffic whose of the way it intersects PA 61. The Borough should destination is south on PA 61 or PA 73. The traffic work with PennDOT to evaluate whether or not the would have a more direct access to Ontelaunee adjustment of the approach grade is necessary. The Drive. Ontelaunee Drive has easy access via a traffic Borough should also consider prohibiting left turns signal controlled intersection to PA 73. PA 73 has onto PA 61. It does not appear that the sight easy access to both PA 61 and U.S. 222. This distance could be improved at this intersection possible connection could reduce the amount of because of the buildings adjacent to the intersection traffic entering PA 61 via Indian Manor Drive. and because of the grades on PA 61.

LEESPORT BOROUGH 3. West Main Street - (area #15). The street is very narrow from the railroad crossing west. There is also 1. PA 61 and Arlington Drive - (area #13). This a reverse curve that larger vehicles have difficulty intersection is directly impacted by the Leesport negotiating. The street is two-way. The limited Farmers’ Market. There is inadequate sight distance space between buildings and the railroad crossing for left turns on and off of PA 61. PennDOT is make it difficult to provide realignment and widening proposing to construct a Jersey barrier median across of the street. There does not appear to be a solution this intersection to prohibit left turns. Right turns to this problem that does not impact many residents from Arlington Drive onto PA 61 are also difficult. and businesses of the Borough. It is recommended The alignment with Indian Manor Drive compounds that the Borough conduct a study that includes the the problem. The Borough should consider restriction of commercial vehicles on Main Street; the prohibiting all turns from Arlington Drive onto PA purchase of properties along the area in question; 61. and an analysis of alternate routes to the western portion of the Borough. 2. PA 61 and Shackamaxon Street - (area #14). The major problem at this intersection appears to be left 4. Main Street Bridge across the Schuylkill River - The turns from Shackamaxon onto PA 61. The sight bridge is very narrow. It includes two (2) vehicle distance is limited to about 200’. In addition, the travel lanes, each approximately 10 feet in width,

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and a %foot wide sidewalk. The bridge is in need include a parking study. A central or community of some cosmetic repairs. The main concern is how parking facility owned and maintained by either the the bridge accommodates traffic. The travel lanes do Borough or a private entity appears to be the best not appear wide enough to accommodate passing solution for the area. However, economic impacts commercial vehicles. One solution the Borough and the availability of land for such a facility is should consider is to eliminate the sidewalk portion Ii mited. of the bridge and use the area to widen the travel lanes. A new sidewalk area may be able to be The Borough may also consider parking ordinances cantilevered on the side of the bridge. While this that restrict the times of day that parking is available option will widen the travel lanes, the lanes will still on Borough streets. The ordinances could also make be less than a desirable width of 14 feet. land owners responsible for adequate parking with regard to their respective properties. Enforcement The Borough should also consider the replacement of becomes an issue with regard to these solutions and the bridge or the construction of a new bridge at a the fact that ordinances are not typically retroactive different location. The construction of a new bridge will only allow the ordinances to address future at a different location could also address the situations and not deal with the current problems. concerns raised in Item 3 above. A traffic study and feasibility study should be performed in order to 6. Canal Street - While this area is not designated a determine the best solution for the maintenance of problem area, there is a potential for industrial traffic on Main Street. development along the rail lines in the southern portion of the Borough. It is recommended that this 5. Parking - While parking is a necessity as a result of street be improved from the Borough south to the use of automobiles, it is usually forgotten or is Orchard Lane in Ontelaunee Township. The outdated. The Borough experiences parking improvement of this road to Orchard Lane will allow problems because of the mix of uses in the "Main truck traffic to use existing improved facilities to Street" type of layout that makes up the eastern access possible industrial sites. This may also serve portion of the Borough. As part of the previously as and alternate route for some of the traffic currently recommended traffic study, The Borough should using the Main Street Bridge.

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FUTURE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING 5. Work with PennDOT to promote continued maintenance and improvement of State- funded highways in the municipalities. The three municipalities in the study area should take continually active roles in making transportation 6. Develop and revise local regulations to limit the improvements. The following recommendations should be number of private intersections with municipal roads, considered in future transportation planning. especially arterials and major collectors.

7. Adopt and adhere to minimum roadway design 1. Develop a five-year road improvements program to criteria for both privately and publicly funded updated annually or biannually. The program be projects. PennDOT and AASHTO guidelines are should include prioritization of necessary recommended. improvements as well as normal maintenance issues. 8. Use the options available under the Pennsylvania Encourage developers’ contribution to improvements 2. Municipal Planning code to identify, obtain and of public facilities adjacent to development. Past preserve rights-of-way that may be required for future improvements have failed to keep pace with the ,road construction and improvements. growth of the municipalities. 9. Re-evaluate the recommendations outlined in this 3. Expand efforts in both short and long range planning plan on a 3-year to 5-year basis. by identifying deficiencies and improvements required to correct these deficiencies. 10. Coordinate projects involving State highways with Berks County, with the goal of having them included 4. Develop and enforce ordinances that protect the in PennDOT’s 12-Year Transportation Capital integrity of the municipalities with regard to the improvement Program. transportation network. Ordinances that require detailed study of traffic flows, both existing and 11. Encourage local business and industry to utilize the projected, and parking needs will keep the potential railroad to ship goods and raw materials. This will problems under control of the municipality.

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help reduce the amount of truck traffic and An identified system of pedestrian and bicycle ways should congestion associated with shipping materials by be developed to enable non-automotive traffic to flow freely motor freight. and safely throughout the Planning Area. The ideal system for movement of pedestrians would be the provision of OT HER T RAN S PO RTAT IO N FACI 1 IT I ES pedestrian ways, separated from vehicular traffic. Developing such a system, requires large areas of The limited amount of public transportation services undeveloped land or the extensive acquisition of rights-of- currently made available to Planning Area residents should, way from existing landowners. It is recommended that the at a minimum, be maintained. Any improvements and/or existing sidewalk network in the developed areas of the expansions in service would, however, provide better Planning Area be used for pedestrian movement. Improved opportunities for Planning Area residents to avail themselves signage and markings may be required at intersections of of such services. major vehicular routes. In the case of new development, it is recommended that, where topography and site designs The Planning Area’s ordinances governing land development allow, separate pedestrian ways be provided. should be updated to provide for alternate transportation system management strategies, such as vankar pooling, The provision of separate bicycle paths meets obstacles park-and-ride, etc. similar to those confronting the development of pedestrian ways. A reasonable solution is the identification of certain Both air and rail transportation facilities will continue to roadways as bicycle routes. This alternative does not play a minimal role in serving the needs of Planning Area separate automotive from bicycle traffic but, with careful residents. They will have to travel outside of the Planning route selection and adequate safety precautions, the system Area to avail themselves of these services. can be successful.

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HOUSING PLAN 0 Encourage housing and development procedures (such as cluster and PRD) which in addition to protecting established values, The population of the Planning Area is projected to continue permit experimentation in housing types, construction methods, new materials and to increase into the foreseeable future. In order to arrangement of units. accommodate t h is increased populat ion, add iti on al hous in g The existing Planning Area Zoning Ordinances generally units will need to be provided. There will be a need for a provide the specific detailed regulations to support the mix of types of housing units so that individuals of all age accomplishment of this Joint Comprehensive Plan's stated groups, family size and economic level have equal housing goals. Numerous dwelling types are currently opportunities to reside in the Planning Area. permitted in the three municipalities' various zoning districts. One of this Plan's overall goals, as stated in Chapter 3, is "To provide for the diverse housing needs of all planning In Leesport Borough, single family detached dwellings are area residents. I' permitted in both the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts. In the R-2 district the following dwelling types are also permitted Specific housing objectives include the following: (either by right or spacial exception): single-family semi- detached dwellings, two family detached and semi-detached 0 Encourage the development of a full range of housing types in order to meet the dwellings, attached dwellings (townhouses), multi-family varying needs of all families, including a dwellings, and mobile home parks. Multi-family dwellings, wide range of choices in housing types, costs and location. conversion apartments and combination dwellings/businesses are permitted in the CC (Community 0 Encourage the rehabilitation, replacement or elimination of physically unsound or poorly Commercial) district. Although the Future Land Use Map located structures and facilities. proposes some reduction in residential land use in the Borough, nevertheless, there remains numerous

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 105 CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN opportunities for new construction and/or conversion of The Perry Township Zoning Ordinance provides for single existing structures for residential purposes. family dwellings in the RA, RA-1, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, as well as part of Planned Residential The current Ontelaunee Township Zoning Ordinance Developments (which are permitted in the RA, R-2 and R-3 provides for single family detached dwellings in the A-1, A- districts). Two-family dwellings are permitted in the R-2 2, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts - on lots ranging from 10,000 district, while garden apartments and mobile home parks are SF (in the R-2 district with public water and sewer service) permitted (by right and by special exception, respectively). to one acre everywhere else. Single-family semi-detached The Township’s Planned Residential Development dwellings, two family detached dwellings, and multi-family Ordinance permits a mix of dwelling types to be dwellings are also permitted in the R-2 district. Mobile constructed, including single family detached dwellings, home parks are permitted only in the A-2 zoning district. single-family semi-detacheddwellings, single-family attached While the Township currently has a considerable amount of dwellings (townhouses), two family attached dwellings, land area zoned R-1, there is only one area (adjacent to three-family dwellings and multi-family dwellings. In the RA Leesport Borough) zoned R-2, and only two relatively small and RA-1 districts, the minimum lot size for single family areas zoned A-2 (including one in the northwestern portion detached dwellings is two (2) acres. In the R-1 district, lot of the Township which is comprised in large part by minimum lot sizes range from 20,000 SF (with public water Conservancy land). As the Future Land Use Map does not and sewer) to one (1) acre (without). Minimum lots sizes for propose any increase in medium density residential (R-2) single family dwellings in the R-2 district range from 10,000 land use, and proposes the elimination of the A-2 type land SF (with public water and sewer) to 30,000 SF (without). use in the northwest, the Township should review its zoning The Future Land Use Map proposes a reasonably large area ordinance after the adoption of this Plan to ensure that for medium density (R-2) residential development north of opportunities exist in the Township for development of the Shoemakersville Borough (west of PA 61). High density various types of residential uses. residential uses are proposed east of PA 61 and north of PA 662.

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In order to provide for their fair share of affordable and communities that provide housing opportunities for persons specialized housing opportunities within the county, the from all generations, cultures, and economic backgrounds. three Planning Area municipalities should consider building into their zoning and subdivisionAand development It is anticipated that comprehensive updates of the three ordinances a system that ensures that a fixed portion of all municipalities’ zoning and su bdivision/land development residential development will be set aside for the affordable ordinances will be initiated after adoption of this Joint housing needs of the moderate, low, and very low income Comprehensive Plan, which will include an examination of households and the specialized housing needs of elderly additional techniques to promote the goals and objectives and disabled individuals anticipated to reside within that of both the Planning Area‘s and the County’s housing goals. municipality. This can be done most efficiently by incorporat in g incl usi onary provisions with in the mun ici pal zoning regulations that provide realistic incentives for COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES PLAN developers to set aside a certain percentage of units in their proposed development for affordable and specialized Services and facilities must be provided according to the housing needs. These incentives can take the form of existing and projected needs of a community. It is important density bonuses, flexible development and building that these facilities be readily available. Therefore, suitable standards, fast tracking the review process, and waivers and land which is conveniently located should be reserved for reductions in development fees. These incentives could also those purposes, and a capital budget should be established include financial assistance from county, state and federal so that such facilities can be provided without incurring an governments to help subsidize the costs of providing excessive bonded inde bted n ess. affordable and specialized housing. lnclusionary zoning would not only allow each municipality to meet its fair share obligations, but it would enable a municipality to do so in a way that results in diverse and integrated

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POLICE PROTECTION companies and ambulance services (working through The population projections for the Planning Area indicate cooperative agreements), appear adequate for existing as that additional full-time police officers may be required in well as expected needs during the planning period. With the future in the Leesport and MaidencreeWOntelaunee continued development in the Planning Area, however, departments. In addition, there could possibly be a need for these services should be periodically reviewed by the local additional clerical help. Budgeting in future years will have municipalities to ensure that there are continuing to meet to take into consideration the increased requirements for the local needs. equipment, vehicles and manpower.

In Perry Township, the Board of Supervisors should SCHOOL FACILITIES periodically review the level of service provided by the The educational needs of the Planning Area municipalities Pennsylvania State Police. Future increases in the Township appear to be adequately addressed by the Schuylkill Valley population and in non-residential development may dictate and Hamburg Area School Districts. With the newly the examination of providing local police coverage - either constructed Schuylkill Valley Elementary School and through a Township force, a regional arrangement, or renovations at the High School, the school facilities serving through purchase of service from one or more adjacent the Leesport Borough / Ontelaunee Township portion of the mun i c ipal iti es. Planning Area appear to have sufficient capacity to serve the anticipated needs area through the year 2000.

FIRE PROTECTION AND AMBULANCE SERVICES The construction of the new Hamburg Area Middle School Based on current standards, the fire protection and will alleviate overcrowding and result in sufficient student ambulance services provided by the companies serving the capacity at all levels through at least the year 2000. Planning Area municipalities, as well as the adjacent fire

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MUN I CI PAL FAC I LIT1ES WATER SERVICE Perry Township is fortunate to have a structure that was The Community Facilities and Utilities Plan proposes the constructed specifically for use as a municipal building. As extension of public water service to serve areas within the the population of the Township continues to grow, and as Planning Area proposed for more intensive development. additional municipal services are made available to The Planning Area municipalities should encourage the Township residents, additional space may be required for provision of public water service to all new development administration and equipment. Suitable land which is locating in these areas, including areas proposed for conveniently located should be reserved for those purposes, residential, commercial and industrial development. and a capital budget should be established so that such facilities can be provided without incurring an excessive Those portions of the Planning Area not served by, or bonded indebtedness. proposed for, public water service will continue to rely on on-site wells for water. Local ordinances should be reviewed The municipal buildings serving both Leesport Borough and and updated, if necessary, to insure that new development Ontelaunee Township are limited in terms of administrative has access to safe and reliable supplies of water. and public meeting spaces. In addition, when the proposed Route 61 improvements are constructed, access to the SANITARY SEWERAGE SERVICE Ontelaunee Township building will be more difficult. Both Both Ontelaunee and Perry Township’s Sewage Facilities the Borough and the Township should investigate ways to (Act 537) Plans propose the extension of public sewers provide future administrative and meeting space, and to developed and developing areas of the Planning Area, along insure accessibility. with the continued use of on lot disposal where public sewers are not provided. The areas outside sewer service areas will be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny due to environmental limitations for on-lot sewage disposal. These

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COM PR EH ENSlVE PLAN 109 CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN areas must also be reviewed in terms of the Township’s RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN current zoning and subdivision/land development regulations to determine if revisions to said ordinances must As previously identified, a detailed Recreation, Parks and be made to ensure the continued reliance on such sewage Open Space element has been prepared as part of the Joint disposal facilities. Public sewerage facilities are not Comprehensive Plan. The Recreation, Parks and Open Space proposed for outside the areas planned for development - Plan element includes a detailed analysis of the Planning unless necessary to alleviate a sewage disposal problem Area’s existing public and private recreation, parks and open which can not be solved by other means. space, identifies standards based on the existing and projected population, and provides detailed STORMWATER DRAINAGE recommendations (including estimated costs) to meet the As development occurs within the Planning Area and areas identified standards. A summary of the Plan’s objectives and adjacent to it, problems resulting from stormwater runoff recommendations follows: will increase. Act 167 Stormwater Management Plans are scheduled to be completed for both the Schuylkill River and Maiden Creek Basins in the foreseeable future. The Planning OBJECTIVES Area municipalities should adopt and/or modify zoning, subdivision and land development, building code, erosion Objective 1 and sedimentation and other ordinances as necessary to regulate development in a manner consistent with the Continue to assess community recreation needs and recommendations of these Act 167 Plans, as well as other maximize the use of existing park facilities given the County, State and Federally-mandated regulations. expanding needs and interests of the community.

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Recommendations expressed an interest in developing two basketball courts and a in-line hockey rink which would have winter ice skating use in the park. Develop park master plans for existing parks which identify improvements and additional recreation facilities. e Perry Township Recreation Area - This park is well The master plans will serve as a blue print to guide the developed offering numerous recreation future development of the parks. Phases should be opportunities to Perry Township residents. A trail determined as appropriate to align with available should be developed to access each recreation fundingfinancial resources and the management facility and area and an accessible viewing areas capabilities of the operating and maintenance should be added at athletic facilities. Develop a departments. park master plan which incorporates a trail, second picnic pavilion and landscaping into the e Leesport Playground - The park is well developed park. at this time but facilities should be added to expand the park use to all ages and meet 2. Each municipality should have a Parks, Recreation, and accessibility and safety standards. A sand Open Space Plan. Consideration should be given to a volleyball court should be added in the lawn area. regional recreation plan or joint ventures for plan A pathwayhail should be installed which development. Pursuing a Keystone Community Grant encircles the park to provide accessibility and a should also be considered. surface for walking and in-line skating. The outdated playgroundequipment must be removed. 3. The Park and Recreation Boards should consider An age segregated tot lot and playground should discussing the potential in indoor recreation programs in be established which complies with safety and cooperation with the School District. Such programs accessibility standards. The restrooms and pool should be fee based to avoid a tax burden. The cost of area should be renovated to meet accessibility program personnel should be included in program fees. standards. 4. The municipalities should incorporate recreation planning e LeespodBern Park - This park parcel is and good design into zoning and sub-division regulations undeveloped at this time. A master plan should to insure the adequate provision of recreation facilities be completed which establishes the direction for and trail connections. development of the park. The Borough has

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5. Stay in tune to trends such as in-line skating and street The two greenways are identified as follows: hockey and monitor the need for associated facilities or existing facility renovations to accommodate such trends. 0 Schuylkill River Corridor - The Schuylkill River Greenway Association is currently planning a Heritage Park along the entire length of the Schuylkill River. This includes the Objective 2 river in Perry and Ontelaunee Townships and Leesport Borough. Develop a comprehensive greenway network throughout 0 Maiden Creek Corridor - This creek corridor In The Planning Area. Ontelaunee Township links the Schuylkill River to Lake Ontelaunee. Recommendations Objective 3 Trail development should be the highest priority for facility development. Each municipality should develop and adopt a trail Seek additional park acreage to meet the recreation needs plan. Request assistance from the Schuylkill River Greenway for the plan. The Plan could be done as a cooperative effort among of the current and projected municipal populations. the three municipalities and others as identified such as Although The Planning Area’s existing park and recreation Shoemakersville. The municipalities should support the Schuylkill system provide recreation opportunities to the citizens of River Greenway plans for trails in the greenway. Making people aware of the importance of trails should be considered and the area, analysis revealed that the facilities are not meeting promoted through the newsletters, media, volunteers, and events the applied standards based on population. organized to focus on trails. A trail loop through Leesport should be undertaken as a first priority. Methods of providing the trails through signage and road striping should be considered as the Recommendations more arduous task of obtaining easements for rights-of way are negotiated. 1. Amend the mandatory dedication provisions to align with the fair market value of property in each municipality and to further define the criteria of land that the municipality

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will accept as recreational land. The minimum size of existing facility where acreage need has been land that is offered for dedication should contain not more establ is hed. than fifteen percent floodplain. Land offered for dedication should not contain stormwater facilities 0 The proposed site will facilitate the completion of designed to detain or retain stormwater for another site. a proposed greenway or trail link.

Land calculations for dedication of recreation land should 0 The site is within an area requiring stream be based on the current average household size and fair stabilization or stream buffer zone. market value of land. If the municipality chooses to utilize a per lot fee, the fair market value of an acre of 5. Develop additional outdoor recreation facilities within the land must be determined. The value of land is dynamic existing and proposed parks to meet immediate needs of and the municipality should strive to amend a per lot fee the citizens. The following needs have been identified: on a regular basis by resolution. Leesport Borough 2. Perry Township should acquire a ten acre minimum size 0 1 Tennis Court community/municipal park north of Shoemakersville 0 1 Soccer Field Borough. Ontelaunee Township 3. Ontelaunee Township should acquire a ten acre minimum 0 1 Basketball Court size community/municipal park east of Leesport in the 0 1 Tennis Court northern portion of the municipality. 0 1 Volleyball Court 0 1 Baseball Field 4. Consider the acquisition of park land if the acquisition 0 1 Soccer Field meets one or more of the following criteria: 0 1 Softball Field

0 The proposed site is compatible with the proposed Perrv Township park facility development. 0 2 Tennis Courts 0 1 Softball Field

0 The land will help to preserve significant environmental resources, area that contributes to These facilities were identified to meet current needs. the community’s character, or add acreage to an Consideration must be given to trends in sport popularity

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and the possibility of expanding sports seasons. Both should have a use area designated that is surfaced with a spring soccer and fall baseball are currently being played safety material which meets the test requirements of the in many municipalities. CPSC and the latest ASTM criteria.

Objective 4 3. Identify and prioritize improvements needed to bring existing facilities into compliance with the ADA and CPSC. A phased implementation schedule should be Provide facilities for public use that comply with all developed and improvements should ,be included in the accessibility and safety regulations and guidelines. capital improvement program budget.

4. Create policy statements that address the need to comply Recommendat ions with all regulations and guidelines with regards to safety and accessibility. The policy statement should commit to 1. Evaluate the existing park facilities to determine if the the phased improvements implementation and capital Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards are expenditure within a set time table. The department currently being met. Playgrounds must offer play should designate one person to lead the compliance equipment which provides play options for the physically efforts and interact with design consultants on master challenged. Pathways should be provided to access plans for existing facilities. facilities within park sites. A playground must be accessible as well as the route to reach the playground. Trails cannot exceed specific slopes, including trails in Objective 5 natural areas. Develop a capital improvement program which will guide 2. Evaluate the playground area at Leesport Playground for compliance with the guidelines of the Consumer Product the planning area capital expenditures. Capital Safety Commission (CPSC) Guidelines for Public improvements identified in this Plan are outlined below, Playground Safety. Much of this equipment does not costs of improvements, as well as a timetable for meet safety guidelines and should be removed. Leesport Borough Road Department should conduct ongoing safety implementation are provided. This list should be made a inspections at the playground. Each play equipment piece part of each municipality’s capital improvement program.

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NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES PLAN as greatly needed recreation areas. As a result, development in areas with slopes 20% or greater should be discouraged The unique and irreplaceable beauty, character, and sense through zoning ordinance provisions. of community in the Planning Area municipalities has been recognized as a resource worth protecting. This Joint Comprehensive Plan represents a vision both for SURFACE WATERS conservation and for development within the Planning Area. Of the various water features in the Planning Area, the Before land is allocated for future growth, it is important to Schuylkill River, Maiden Creek and Lake Ontelaunee are the (1) identify natural and cultural characteristics which require three most prominent. The Schuylkill River is the major conservation and (2) identify means to accomplish their source of drainage in the Planning Area. The River is an conservation. important source of habitat for both aquatic and non-aquatic species, as well as a source of recreation.

TOPOGRAPHY The Maiden Creek drains the eastern portion of the Planning Lands with slopes in excess of 15 percent begin to cause Area and serves as the source for Lake Ontelaunee, which serious problems for proper development due to (1) their functions as a reservoir for the City of Reading’s water susceptibility for erosion (and flooding) and (2)the potential supply. Recreation such as picnicking and fishing are also increased costs required to alleviate structural problems such available at the lake and surrounding lands. The lake also as settling and sliding. Construction in steeper slopes also provides important areas of i iimal habitat and supports affects the cost of installation of underground utilities and populations of various frest water fish and aquatic the construction of roads and highways. Steep slopes organisms. should remain in their natural state in order to prevent soil erosion, provide for the enjoyment of open space, and serve The 1991 watershed study of he Lake recommended the development of a watershed management plan to address

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the water quality problems of the lake. Recommendations Streams with the classifications of high quality, exceptional for the management plan included (1) Agricultural Best value or trout stocking fisheries possess fragile ecological Management Practices (BMPs) - The Townships, working characteristics. These streams require protection from the with the Soil Conservation Service, should encourage adverse effects of encroachment, sedimentation, and the farming plans which employ BMPs; (2) Construction Erosion removal of trees along stream banks which help maintain Control, Roadway Erosion Control, Stormwater lower water temperatures. Conservation measures should Management and Streambank Stabilization - AI I three emphasize protection of the entire drainage basins which municipalities should upgrade their subdivision and land feed these streams. development ordinances to include regulations to accomplish the above-listed items; and (3) Improved Septic System Management -The municipalities need to implement SCENIC RIVERS the recommendations of their respective Act 537 Sewage The Schuylkill River is one of the three designated scenic Facilities Plans to minimize the potential for malfunctions, rivers in Berks County. Scenic River designation is meant to and the resultant groundwater degradation. While increase awareness of the value of the stream. The Scenic recommended specifically to address problems experienced River Study for the Schuylkill identifies potential land use at Lake Ontelaunee, these should be considered Planning regulations and other methods which can be employed to Area wide. enhance these values.

In addition, to protect major drainage patterns, zoning provisions should be considered to provide for stream-side FLOODPLAINS AND WETLANDS buffers, retained in their natural condition, to a width of not

less than two hundred (200) feet on each side of the stream, FIood pI ai ns or the width of the floodplain, whichever is greater. Floodplains act as natural barriers to prevent flooding of the

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 116 101 NT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN =m===~=m~=mmmm=rna= CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN surrounding developed areas. Floodplains can often be agricultural uses. The limestone formations present in the extremely productive for vegetation, providing excellent southern portions of the planning area are susceptible to areas for species habitat and diversity. Designating the groundwater contamination. As a result, extreme caution allowable uses of a floodplain through zoning regulations is should be exercised when applying nutrients (and pesticides an important step in assuring its protection. A floodplain is or herbicides) during agricultural operations, and when best left as a natural area of open space. Constructing any issuing permits for on-lot septic systems 'in limestone type of structure on a floodplain is not a recommended for mat ion s. practice. The shale formations found in the northern portions of the Wetlands Planning Area, are considered to be small to moderate The importance of wetlands lies both in their traditional suppliers of groundwater. However, the dolomite and values as areas of fish and wildlife protection, and limestone formations can produce large volumes of water if stormwater management, as well as in the newly found a channel or fracture in the rock is found. Consideration value as areas for wastewater treatment. The Planning Area should be given to requiring that proposals for new mun icipal it ies' su bdivi sion and Iand development development in areas not proposed for service by public ordinances should be reviewed and updated, as necessary, water and sewer provide supporting documentation that a to clearing define the requirements related to wetlands safe and reliable (in quantity) water supply can be provided. which must be adhered to in the subdivision/land development process. PRIME FARMLAND SOILS Prime farmland soils should be preserved for agricultural GEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER production. Most prime farmland soils found in Berks Groundwater contamination is a critical factor to consider County are Class I or II soils. While only a small percentage when developing land use plans for residential or of the Planning Area has Class I soils, a considerable portion

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of the two townships are Class II. The limestone bedrock serve as the initial reference document to identify those areas in southern Ontelaunee Township represent the largest areas requiring protection. concentrations of Class I and II soils.

The existing zoning ordinance for Perry Township provides WOODLANDS AND FORESTED AREAS for relatively strict agricultural preservation in most of the One of a forest's greatest benefits is its aesthetic value. identified prime farmland soils areas of the Township. Allowing natural areas such as forests to exist undisturbed Ontelaunee Township should enact similar zoning allows the environment to be fully appreciated, understood provisions to protect its prime farmland areas. and as a result, protected. Woodlands and forested areas provide many important uses including providing erosion control on steep slopes, and protecting watersheds. Forests ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES are also extremely important areas of animal habitat. In response to the growing perception of the negative impacts of certain land use forms and practices, the Through zoning and subdivision/land development preservation of wildlife and wild habitats has become a ordinance provisions, wooded areas should be conserved priority conservation objective. The most environmentally and developed only in such a manner which minimizes important areas often support populations of extremely impacts on their present condition. sensitive flora and fauna. Unfortunately, these sensitive areas, due to their natural beauty and unique features, attract development as well. To aid in the preservation of HISTORIC, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL theses unique and sensitive areas, the municipalities should RESOURCES consider techniques such as "overlay" districts in their The Berks County Conservancy and other organizations respective zoning ordinances to provide additional levels of have expended considerable effort in the areas of research, protection. The Berks County Natural Areas Inventory can public education and field location of historic sites or areas.

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Most of the historic buildings/sites identified in the Planning organizations located in and/or serving the area. Area are scattered throughout the area. However, at least one National Historic Register eligible site, the Berkley Certain uses and structures can have an adverse effect on Historic District could be established as a rural historic the aesthetics/visual appearance of an area. The proper zoning district. At a minimum, the municipalities should regulation of signs and other accessory structures, along work with potential developers to attempt to retain the with the restriction of certain land uses in various zoning historic character of historic sites already identified (or to be districts, can do much to minimize potential adverse impacts identified) in the Planning Area. Private citizens, as well as to the Planning Area’s visual landscape. municipal agencies, can support these activities through financial support and/or active participation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT As mentioned in Chapter 2, known archaeologically significant sites in the Planning Area have been mapped by The Planning Area is part of the larger Berks County, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission regional, national, and even international economy. All (PHMC). Subdivision and land development proposals levels of government know that the fostering of economic subject to PADEP Planning Module requirements will growth and development is an important concern, because initiate PHMC review for the existence of any sites in the economic growth provides both employment for residents development area. The municipalities can consider and revenue to support municipal operations. All three additional ordinance provisions which would require PHMC Planning Area municipalities are blessed with a diverse comment for all development proposals. commerciaMndustria1 base. The Future Land Use Plan identifies additional areas in each of the three municipalities The three Planning Area municipalities, either working that are proposed for future commercial and industrial collectively or individually, can provide financial and other activity. In almost all cases, these proposed sites (1) are (or forms of support to the many cultural activities and are scheduled to be) served by public water and sewer

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP ]OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 119 CHAPTER 4 THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN service, and (2) are easily accessible to the principal customer/employee access, and (4) extension of public water transportation routes serving the Planning Area. However, and sewer service to existing and proposed commercial and they could be better served by public transit service -which industrial areas. would reduce vehicle(automobi1e) trips on the Planning Area's major thoroughfares and increase accessibility to the In addition, the Planning Area municipalities should labor force. cooperate among themselves, with their neighbors, and with the County to support the location of new industrial and The types of commercial and industrial activities proposed commercial employment centers which meet the Planning in the Future Land Use Plan (and provided for in the Area and the greater regional needs. existing municipal zoning ordinances) range from small- scale, minimal-impact service commercial to heavy industrial The current zoning ordinance in Perry Township greatly uses. Lab0r-i nten sive ind ust r ial uses (i.e. 'I hi gh-tec hI' restricts non-farm development in the Agricultural Districts, manufacturing) are recommended, instead of warehousing so that the viability of the agricultural industry in the operations, to provide local employment opportunities for Township can be maintained. However, the Township's Planning Area residents. Agricultural District regulations, as written, have the potential to allow more incompatible, non-farm residential Efforts should continue to be made by local officials to development activity than is desired in the agricultural area. attract new and to retain existing businesses in the Planning It is recommended that these ordinance provisions be Area. Such steps could include, but not be limited to, the reviewed and strengthened to minimize the potential for following: (1) less restrictive zoning requirements governing future land use conflicts with the agricultural base. The the expansion of existing commercial and industrial uses, (2) zoning ordinance options available to the farmers to engage improvements in the availability of off-street parking and in accessory, farm-based businesses should also be reviewed pedestrian access - particularly in Leesport Borough, (3) and strengthened, as necessary, to keep the farmer "on the improvements to the local roadway network to improve farm I' .

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EN ERGY CONSERVATI 0 N z o n i n g and/or s u bd iv is ion/ Ian d deve Io p me nt ord in an ce provisions which will facilitate the use of passive solar The Future Land Use, Housing, Transportation, and energy and of landscaping techniques to reduce both Community Facilities and Utilities Plans are all in some way residential and non-residential heating and cooling costs. connected to the concern over the present and future use of The adoption of energy efficient standards in building codes energy in the Planning Area. The overall premise behind the and the elimination of excessive construction standards Future Land Use Plan is the focusing of future development which might interfere with good energy conservation in and around the existing urban cores of Leesport and practices are also encouraged. Shoemakersville Boroughs, and along the two principal highway corridors (PA 61 and US 222). The concentration of development activity in limited areas will result in the INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG PLAN reduction of additional vehicle trips (and corresponding COMPONENTS reduction of fuel consumption) from what would be The four major components of the Comprehensive Plan - experienced if random development would be permitted to Land Use, Housing, Transportation and Community occur throughout the Planning Area. The concentrated Facilities - are all closely interrelated. The basic premise on development - both residential and commerciaVindustriaI - which this joint Comprehensive Plan is based is that the along the major traffic route can also better support the Planning Area will continue to be an attractive location for extension of public transit service to better serve the future residential, commercial and industrial growth. The Planning Area. The Plan also proposes several mixed-use Plan elements have been written with the understanding that districts, where employment opportunities may be located this future growth must be accommodated in a way which best benefits the current and future residents of the Planning within walking distance from residential areas. Area.

As part of the implementation of this Plan, the Planning Area municipalities should consider the adoption of a

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The population of the Planning Area is projected to continue The availability of public facilities, primarily water and to increase into the foreseeable future. In order to sewer service, also has a direct impact on the location of accommodate this increased population, additional housing and intensity of areas proposed for future development in units will need to be provided. There will be a need for a the Planning Area. Those portions of the Planning Area mix of types of housing units so that individuals of all age which are not proposed for the extension of such utilities, groups, family size and economic level have equal along with areas of environmental concern - such as opportunities to reside in the Planning Area. The Future wetlands, floodplains and stream valleys, steep slope areas Land Use Plan provides for this by designating areas of the and prime agricultural areas - were the areas generally Planning Area for all different densities of residential proposed for agricultural and open space uses in the Future development. The Zoning Ordinances - one of the Land Use Plan. techniques to implement the proposals of the Joint Comprehensive Plan - will need to be reviewed and updated as necessary to provide the specific detailed regulations to support the accomplishment of the Plan’s stated housing goals.

The location of future development, particularly residential development, will have a major impact on the transportation facilities of the Planning Area. Concerns over the capacity of the existing thoroughfare system, and development pressures in the future, resulted in the proposed reduction in residential densities in certain portions of the Planning Area. Similarly, higher density residential and non-residential uses were proposed near the primary traffic routes to minimize impacts on the local road network.

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IMP1 EMEN TA TION SHORT-RANGE AND LONG-RANGE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STEPS One of the required elements of a municipal Comprehensive The goals and policies for the future development of the Plan is a discussion of short- and long-range plan Planning Area have previously been outlined. It is now implementation strategies, which may include imperative that methods of effectuating this program be ff... (I) implications for capital improvemenfs programming, considered. Examination of the community goals makes it (2) new or updated development regulations, and (3) the apparent that the Planning Area municipalities should identification of public funds potentially available. " consider a program of effectuation from two viewpoints. The first should include a program of carrying out the local desires and goals at the municipal level, and should comprise those desirable elements which will not adversely Short-Range lmdementation Techniques affect neighboring communities. For the purposes of the Joint Comprehensive Plan, recommended implementation actions proposed in the five The second approach involves effectuating elements of the (5) years following plan adoption have been designated plan from a broader regional viewpoint. Many long-range short-range implementation techniques. They include the goals and policies involve not only the individual following proposals: municipalities but adjacent and nearby municipalities as 0 well. Each individual municipality can carry out those Prepare and enact amendments to the individual municipalities' zoning ordinances and zoning maps programs which affect the local community only, but they to implement stated land use objectives. As must participate with their neighbors and with larger discussed in Chapter 4 and shown on the Future government bodies in order to gain the necessary impetus Land Use Map, the proposed changes to land use required to carry out an overall program which would best areas will require zoning ordinance/map suit the region as a whole. amendments. Each municipality should also consider the development of cluster/open space zoning

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provisions to protect natural resources, provide 9. Protect agricultural areas from encroachment by non-farm common open space, and enhance community activities that interfere with or prevent normal farming activities. cohesion in new developments. Zoning regulations should also be considered to discourage strip 10. Regulate intensive agricultural uses to minimize adverse development along the Planning Area’s major impacts on adjacent residents and property owners. thoroughfares. 11. Transform the scattered residential pattern which presently exists into more concentrated and identifiable residential developments within the proposed growth Related Communitv Develomnent Obiectives include areas. the following: 12. Limit the intrusion of incompatible nonresidential uses 1. Preserve the natural features of the planning area by into residential areas. discouraging development in the area’s more environmentally sensitive portions. 13. Encourage economic diversity by reserving adequate land for commercial and industrial location in accordance with 2. Preserve prime agricultural land by encouraging the Future Land Use Plan. productive farming activities and farm-related businesses. 14. Limit the number of new commercial centers and 3. Encourage land use and development patterns which concentrate on effectively using and developing existing complement and accentuate the distinctive features of the commercial centers. planning area’s natural and cultural environment. 15. Discourage spot commercial and strip commercial 6. ldentify areas for future growth in the planning area and development along highways and encourage instead direct growth to theses areas. planned clusters of commercial development.

7. Create an orderly pattern of growth by encouraging new 16. Encourage a wide range of industry types in order to development in areas which can be economically served assure a more balanced future economic base. by utilities and roadways, while discouraging new development in areas where construction and service 18. Encourage the development of a full range of housing costs would be excessive. types in order to meet the varying needs of all families, including a wide range of choices in housing types, costs 8. Update the individual municipalities‘s existing zoning and and location. subdivisionlland development ordinances to guide future growth in a manner consistent with the joint 20. Encourage housing and development procedures (such as Comprehensive Plan. cluster and PRD) which in addition to protecting established values, permit experimentation in housing

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types, construction methods, new materials and planned clusters of commercial development. arrangement of units. 17. Develop industry to modern standards with adequate 25. Provide adequate development controls to minimize any sites which will allow for future expansion, adequate off- adverse impacts of future development proposals on the street parking and loading facilities, and adequate buffer transportation system. areas where adjacent to other uses.

26. Eliminate "strip" development and on-street parking, and 20. Encourage housing and development procedures (such as effectively control driveway entrances on major cluster and PRD) which in addition to protecting thoroughfares. established values, permit experimentation in housing types, construction methods, new materials and 27. Provide for adequate off-street parking facilities and safe arrangement of units. pedestrian access in those portions of the planning area where warranted by traffic andlor specific land uses. 24. Encourage the location of new roadway facilities in a manner which feasibly complements the Future Land Use Plan. e Review and amend, as necessary, the individual 25. Provide adequate development controls to minimize any municipalities' subdivision and land development adverse impacts of future development proposals on the ordinances. The existing Subdivision and Land transportation system. Development Ordinances should be reviewed and 31. Wherever feasible, provide public water and public amended, if necessary, to address the policies sewerage service to adequately serve all existing or identified in Chapter 2. potential growth areas within the planning area. 33. Provide all feasible areas with adequate storm sewer facilities. Related Commu n i ty DeveloDment Ob iect ives incl ude the following: a The individual municipalities should facilitate the 8. Update the individual municipalities's existing zoningand extension of public water and sewer in a manner subdivisionlland development ordinances to guide future which is consistent with this Joint Comprehensive growth in a manner consistent with the joint Comprehensive Plan. Plan and with the existing and future needs identified by their respective Sewage Facilities 15. Discourage spot commercial and strip commercial Plans. Such services are critical to the health, safety, development along highways and encourage instead

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and welfare of Planning Area residents, particularly Related Communitv Development Obiectives include in areas which have experienced malfunctioning on- the following: lot disposal systems and groundwater pollution. The provision of public water and sewer services and the 2 1. Develop a area-wide circulation system which serves existing and anticipated future land uses, provides increased requirements related to development with maximum convenience of movement to the population, on-lot water supply and sewage disposal will also and shapes the extent and direction of growth within the serve to protect surface water and groundwater from planning area. further degradation. 22. Support and assist the Berks County Planning Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Related Community Development Obiectives include Transportation in planning and designing major thoroughfares. the following: 23. lmprove existing road patterns in order to handle 5. Preclude the construction of public utilities or other increased traffic. public facilities in agricultural and other environmentally sensitive areas unless required to alleviate an existing 24. Encourage the location of new roadway facilities in a problem. manner which feasibly complements the Future Land Use Plan. 30. Develop a maximum relationship between the development of land and the provision of adequate 28. Concentrate local maintenance funds in areas of highest public facilities. priority.

3 1. Wherever feasible, provide public water and public 29. Support the increased coverage and frequency of public sewerage service to adequately serve all existing or transportation service in the area. potential growth areas within the planning area.

32. Preclude the extension of public sewerage andlor water e Implement the Open Space, Park and Recreation service outside the designated growth areas except to alleviate an otherwise uncorrectable moblem. Plan recommendations for the Planning- Area. The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Planning Element e The Planning Area municipalities should support provides detailed recommendations for consideration regional highway and transit initiatives and should by local officials to meet the identified needs. promote the road improvements and evaluations recommended in Chapter 4.

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Related Community Development Obiectives include implementation measures does not suggest that the Planning the following Area municipalities are finished with their comprehensive

38. Support educational, recreational and cultural planning process. opportunities for all age groups.

39. Encourage cooperative planning and financing of In addition to these short-range implementation measures, recreational sites and facilities among the communities of the following is presented to address the status of the the planning area and the region. remaining Community Development Objectives:

Work with and support the School Districts and 0 4. Encourage the preservation and protection of other area organizations to encourage adequate the planning area’s cultural, historic, educational, and cultural opportunities for Planning architectural and archaeological resources. Area residents. The Planning Area’s pattern of historic growth Related Community Development Obiectives include has not substantially impacted areas of historic the following: significance or areas of high probability for 37. Encourage the development of adequate school facilities archaeological resources. However, if in the to serve the planning area‘s school age children. future it is determined that significant historic and/or archaeological resources remain 38. Support educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all age groups. unprotected from development, additional requirements could be established within the individual municipalities’ zoning ordinances or through the adoption of special ordinances. The preceding actions should be considered short-range implementation measures since they represent planned 0 34. Provide for adequate police protection to solutions to problems identified in the context of the Plan. assure the welfare and safety of the residents However, the successful completion of these in all parts of the planning area.

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0 35. Support adequate fire protection and medical development of the planning area and for and emergency service to all planning area citizen participation in public affairs. residents. In order to meet the needs and expectations 0 36. Continually review police, fire and of their constituents, the Planning Area’s emergency service needs and coordinate the municipal leaders need to know what those provision of these services with adjoining needs and expectations are. They should municipalities. endeavor to regularly disseminate information to their residents - through newsletters, The Maidencreek/Ontelaunee Police periodic mass mailings, etc. Efforts should also Department, the Leesport Police Department be made to solicit citizen input (through and the Pennsylvania State Police (serving surveys, etc.) as well as citizen participation Perry Township) are considered to be on advisory boards and committees. providing an adequate level of service to Planning Area residents and businesses. However, based on the anticipated growth Long-Range Implementation Techniques identified in this Plan, it is likely that there For the purposes of the Joint Comprehensive Plan, the will soon be a greater demand for municipal following recommended implementation actions proposed and regional police services. The volunteer fire and rescue companies and ambulance beyond five (5) years following plan adoption have been services serving the Planning Area are an designated long-range implementation techniques. This invaluable asset and should be assisted in designation, however, does not preclude them from being every way possible as the need for their instituted prior to that timeframe. services increases with the Planning Area’s growth. 0 Evaluate the adoption/amendment of e 40. Provide mechanisms for discussion and building/housing codes to regulate new construction choice among the citizenry concerning the and ensure the maintenancelupkeep of existing structures. This action would help to accomplish the

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following stated objectives in Chapter 2: PARTICIPANTS Putting the proposals of a comprehensive plan into effect 19. Encourage the rehabilitation, replacement or elimination of physically unsound or poorly located structures and requires the active participation of many agencies at facilities. different governmental levels. Aside from the purely local

0 Prepare a Capital Improvements Program to finance controls which are available, many departmental actions at public improvements such as road construction, county or state levels already are, or can be, interrelated recreational facilities, municipal buildings, etc. This with municipal action to implement local planning. Among action would help to accomplish the following stated others, the School Districts can become effective planning objectives in Chapter 2: allies, particularly in the provision of recreation facilities, 21. Develop a area-wide circulation system which serves since these are normally provided as part of any school existing and anticipated future land uses, provides plant and can readily be put to wider use outside of school maximum convenience of movement to the population, and shapes the extent and direction of growth within the hours. State health inspections and requirements can planning area. supplement municipal efforts, as can highway planning at 28. Concentrate local maintenance funds in areas of highest both county and state levels. Highway planning and priority. development is the one activity at higher governmental 31. Wherever feasible, provide public water and public levels which ordinarily the greatest impact on municipal sewerage service to adequately serve all existing or has potential growth areas within the planning area. development. Alterations in the regional and road network

33. Provide all feasible areas with adequate storm sewer can vastly change the situation in the community. Equally facilities. important, some of the circulation problems which are 39. Encourage cooperative planning and financing of already apparent in the Planning Area can best be resolved recreational sites and facilities among the communities of the planning area and the region. in conjunction with the state and the county.

State and county programs for planning and development are becoming daily more important in Pennsylvania. The

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 129 CHAPTER 5 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION various components of the Pennsylvania Department of almost everywhere else, intermunicipal cooperation Commerce, the Department of Transportation, the represents an underutilized area of problem solving. This Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of lack of cooperation is unfortunate. Conservation and Natural Resources, the Soil Conservation Service and the Berks County Planning Commission are effective planning allies for any municipality. PRIORITIES Some of the planning proposals presented assume a priority Semi-official bodies, such as the Industrial Development of implementation over the other proposals. This is the case Authorities, Private Industry CounciIs, Transportat ion for the following reasons: Authorities and Chambers of Commerce have specialized knowledge which they will willingly place at the disposal of the severity of need (as it relates to community the municipalities. Altogether, effective long-range planning health and safety) depends not on purely regulatory measures and fiscal effort alone but on ingenuity applied to the solution of particular the number of Planning Area residents affected problems, especially on the merging of activities which form part of the planning concern of several municipal bodies. funding avai Iab i Ii ty

In view of the suburbanization which has taken place in the the degree to which a given proposal is interrelated Planning Area and in Central Pennsylvania in general, and to other proposals. of the future transportation movements foreseeable in the area, it would be fitting that local planning commissions the relative ease of implementation - both from a meet together at intervals in an effort to resolve common legislative and timing standpoint problems, particularly highway and circulation problems, which are basically regional in nature. In Pennsylvania, as

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ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS Zoning In itself, a comprehensive plan has little direct power over Zoning is one means by which the uses of land are what will come to pass in the future. The plan represents regulated. Underlying the concept of zoning is the idea that the results of surveys and studies of present conditions and the health, safety and general welfare of property owners. prospects for future growth of the municipality. The legal basis for zoning ordinances is found in the police power which permits governmental units to enact laws to The concepts and purposes of the comprehensive plan provide and protect the health, safety and general welfare of are embodied in ordinances specifically enacted to the community. However, this power can never be used to implement it. Three basic ordinances - zoning, subdivision restrict the use of private property in such a way that the and land development, and official map - are necessary to restrictions amount to an unconstitutional deprivation of achieve safe, stable land development, according to the property without due process of law. objectives established by the plan and by the planning enabling statutes. The existing municipal zoning ordinances and zoning maps reflect the majority of the land use policies established in In addition to these basic ordinances, building and housing the municipalities’ outdated Comprehensive Plans. As a standards in code form are desirable to assure quality of result, many of the current day development problems construction in new buildings or, alternatively, to establish encountered at the local level are not adequately addressed standards for occupancy and maintenance of existing in the existing ordinances. Revisions to the individual buildings. Building standards and codes ensure structural zoning ordinances subsequent to adoption of the Joint soundness, proper plumbing and electrical installations, and Comprehensive Plan will include adjustments to the reasonable safety from fire. respective zoning maps and possibly addition and/or alteration of provisions based on the joint Comprehensive Plan proposals.

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With respect to sewage facilities planning, it is important to Each Planning Area municipality has adopted a Subdivision examine zoning provisions relating to wastewater facilities. and Land Development Ordinance, which governs Minimum lot size requirements and the location of planned subdivision and land development activity. The provisions growth areas are of particular importance. Minimum lot of these ordinances are administered by the municipal sizes must accurately reflect the area which is needed to governing bodies with advisory input from the local ensure long range suitability for on-lot sewage disposal. The Planning Commission and the Municipal Engineer. These proposed Future Land Use Plan and resultant revisions to ordinances should also be updated after adoption of the the individual municipal zoning ordinances and zoning Joint Comprehensive Plan to reflect the current situation. maps should direct growth to areas which can be served by public wastewater faci Iities. The individual subdivision and land development ordinances contain regulations pertaining to sewage disposal methods. These regulations set forth standards for the Subdivision and Land Development approval of public sewer designs for projects within Subdivision and land development regulations are proximity to existing sewer lines, approval and concerned with establishing locational controls which maintenance of private community systems, as well as ensure sound community growth while at the same time standards relating to demonstration of compliance with the safeguard the interest of all property owners. Such Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act for individual on-lot regulations can assure that the subdivision and development sewage disposal systems. The ordinances also contains of land will create permanent assets for the municipality. requirements for stormwater management. Since the subdivision and/or development of land is both a technical and a business venture, affecting not only the return to investors in land but also municipal finances, Official Map consideration of subdivision and development proposals Two of the community development objectives relating to should be very thorough. future transportation facilities in the Planning Area deal with

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 132 /O/N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN M - - I B M - m = = u = \m m CHAPTER 5 PLAN IMP1 EMEN TA TI0N

(1) developing an area-wide circulation system and (2) As mentioned, a detailed study and survey is required to encouraging the location of new roadway facilities in a identify the exact geographical limits of the proposed road manner which feasibly supports the Future Land Use Plan. network on an Official Map. This studyhurvey would One method of achieving these objectives is through the require the expenditure of municipal funds for technical adoption of an Official Map. The legal basis for adoption of assistance in its preparation. an Official Map lies in Act 247, as amended, the Pennsylvania Municioalities Planning Code. An Official Building Controls Map would show the exact location of the lines of existing The Planning Area municipalities have available to them and proposed streets (after detailed surveys are conducted) numerous other powers that they may employ to implement for the whole of the municipality. The Official Map could the proposals of the joint Comprehensive Plan. Among also identify the locations of existing and proposed public these are building, housing and fire codes. A building code facilities (municipal buildings, schools, parks, and recreation provides minimum requirements designed to protect life and areas). The purpose of an official map is to notify property health and yield a maximum of structural safety. Specific owners in the municipality of the intention of the provisions apply to construction, alteration, equipment, use municipality to develop or expand the street network or and occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings and locate public facilities at some time in the future. Under the structures. provisions of an official map ordinance, when a parcel of land identified on the Official Map is proposed for A housing code is concerned with individual structures and development, the municipality would have the opportunity is one of only a few retroactive regulatory devices. It to acquire that portion of property needed for its future establishes minimum housing standards relating to health project, or to begin condemnation proceedings to acquire and safety. It does so by governing dwelling facilities (such such property. as plumbing and heating systems), providing minimum standards relating to safe, sanitary maintenance of dwelling units, specifying the responsibilities of owners and

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 133 CHAPTER 5 PLAN IMPLEMENTA TION

occupants, and indicating minimum space, use and location CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMING requirements. Since a housing code provides a legal basis Capital improvement programming is the scheduling of for condemnation, it is particularly useful in arresting or public improvements over a given period of time. removing conditions of spot blight. Scheduling is based on a series of priorities which are established according to need, desire and/or importance of There are a number of standard or model building codes the improvements, and on the present and anticipated available. The two most commonly used are those prepared ability of the community to pay for those improvements. by the Building Officials Conference of America (BOCA) and the National Board of Fire Underwriters. As in the case of Capital improvement programming is the vital bridge building codes, there are a number of standard or model between the Comprehensive Plan and the actual housing codes available. These can be obtained from such accomplishment of public improvements. Because the sources as the American Public Health Association. provisions, nature and location of public facilities exert a great influence on the pattern of community growth, a well The adoption of building and/or housing codes would, conceived capital program is probably the most important however, necessitate the hiring (or appointment) of a plan implementation tool available to the community. While building/housing inspector for administration and ordinances concerning zoning and subdivision and land enforcement of the codes. The inspector should be an development are guides for private development, a capital individual with a technical background and familiarity with improvement program gives direction to public the building trades and one who could conceivably perform development. additional administrative functions for the municipality. In addition, it is not uncommon for two or more municipalities to jointly employ a buildinglcode inspector(s). CHAPTER 5 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

CONTINUING PLANNING Continuing review of specific problems and proposals forms an essential part of the planning process. Implementation of the policies contained in the Joint Comprehensive Plan and related ordinances and regulations will demand subsequent and repeated reevaluation, addition, and modification, as circumstances dictate. It is the responsibility of municipal officials to see that the municipal regulations continue to reflect established policy decisions. If particular problems cannot be solved in the light of such policies, changes or additions will be necessary in policy, and these will once again be subject to review by the public and adoption by the governing body.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP )OIN T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 135 APPENDIX A ROADWAY INVENTORY

(1) Route 61 and Berkley Road (5) Bower’s Road

Two inlets are half full with debris. 3-ton weight limit on bridge, with truck and bus prohibition. Broken and failing pavement. (6) Route 61 and Route 73 Left turn onto and off of Berkley Road has minimum sight distance. - Southbound left turn lane has deep wheel ruts.

(2) Route 61 and Snyder Road (near Good’s Furniture) - Height of Route 61 prevents cars on Hess‘s side of Route 61 from seeing oncoming cars on west side Left turns from any direction are difficult of Route 61.

Pavement fatigue at shoulders. (7) Route 61 near Orchard lane inlet has small tree growing inside it. - Minor shoulder erosion on west side of Route 61.

(3) Willow Creek Road (8) Ontelaunee Drive and Kindt Corner Road

Small areas of base failure. - Road surface is weathering (aggregate surfacing).

Pavement surface rough and crumbling (need - Traffic stripes are undetectable. overlay). (9) Kerns Road and Ontelaunee Drive At Leesport Road, erosion evident, inlets not efficient. - Left turn onto Kerns Road exhibits adverse change of pavement grade. Inadequate sight distance is (4) Heffner Lane and Slater Road also prevalent.

Sight distance is inadequate at train tracks. - Overall turning movements are awkward. - Minor pavement surface deterioration.

~~ LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP . JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN A-1 APPENDIX A ROADWAY INVENTORY

(10) Kerns Road between Heather Road and Birch Hill Road dangerous to pedestrians.

Road is very narrow, 13‘-15’ wide. It is presently (14) Route 61 and Shackamaxon Street a two-way street. - Left turn onto Route 61 South provides 200’ (11) Route 61 and Mohrsville Road maximum sight distance.

Mohrsville Road is all concrete. Cracks are (15) Main Street in Leesport prevalent. - Main Street in Leesport is narrow from the railroad Northbound vehicles making left turn from Route crossing to the west. Tweway traffic exists. 61 onto Mohrsville Road are stopped in the middle of the highway waiting to turn. There are (16) Wall Street in Leesport no warning signs or left turn only lanes. An unaware motorist could easily hit a left-turning - Wall Street is narrow between the Schuylkill River motorist. bridge and Main Street. Two-way traffic exists.

(12) Route 61 and Indian Manor Drive at Ontelaunee (17) Mohrsville Road

Right turn from northbound Route 61 is Roadway at this point is 20’ above river level. dangerous. Motorist must slow down below safe speed to make right turn safely. Left turn from (18) Mohrsville Road (near Shoemakersville) Route 61 southbound is dangerous because motorist must stop in middle of highway to make - Roadway is 15’-20‘ above river level. A culvert Ieft turn. exists under the roads which outlets into the river. This culvert may backup and flood the roadway. (13) Route 61 and Arlington Avenue (19) Water Street Left turn from Arlington Drive onto Route 61 South provides inadequate sight distance to - Railroad underpass provides only 11’ 6” northbound Route 61 vehicles (200’ maximum). clearance. The road width is 15’ maximum. Turns are very tight. Virtually no sight distance Retaining wall at property of house #241 is failing. exists. It presently leans over sidewalk and may be

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHlP A-2 lOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN mm~m~mmuam=-nm-=-~r

APPENDIX A ROADWAY INVENTORY

Water Street Railroad Crossing highway traffic and have a maximum of 400' sight distance for northbound Route 61 vehicles. Very steep grade (30%) exists on west side of track. Vehicles cannot see oncoming cars from Route 61 and Bellevue Avenue either direction until they reach the track itself. Southbound motorists crossing the track must All turning movements at this intersection must navigate a 90" turn with little or no warning. cross 2-4 lanes of heavy traffic.

County Bridge at Five locks Road - Route 61 South vehicles turning left onto Bellevue Avenue must stop on highway. Rear end Pavement surface shows minor deterioration. collisions are possible.

3-ton weight limit; prohibition on trucks and Route 61 and Ridge Road busses. _- Left turning Route 61 vehicles must stop on Route 61 and Hughes Hill Road highway.

- Northbound vehicles on Route 61 making left Route 61 and Shoemakersville Road onto Hughes Hill Road must stop in middle of highway and then cross two lanes of swift moving - Vehicles turning left from Shoemakersville Road traffic. Vehicles speed in excess of 60 mph in this onto Route 61 South have only 150-200' sight area and have only 500' maximum of sight distance for oncoming southbound vehicles. distance between them and an idling left turning vehicle. - Vehicles turning left off of Route 61 must stop in middle of through lanes of highway. Route 61 at Zion's Church Road Adam's Hotel Road between Berk Road and Adam's Southbound Route 61 vehicles must dangerously Hotel stop on highway to make left onto Mt. Zion Church Road. Sight distance of rear-approaching - Left turn sight distance from Berk Road onto vehicles is 350'. Adam's Hotel Road is minimal. Vehicles must inch out into the intersection to see adequately. - Vehicles making left turn from Mt. Zion Church Road onto Route 61 South must cross two lanes of

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN A-3 APPENDIX A ROAD WAY INVENTORY

(28) Route 662 Moselem Springs Road (between Sunset and make extremely steep and tight right turns. This W indsor Castle) pavement area is failing.

A 15 mph curve is posted. Vehicles veer into the (34) Virginville Road and Witchcraft Road opposing traffic lane while making the turn. Cars don’t slow down to 15 mph. Adverse pavement grade transition exists.

(29) Route 662 and West Shore Drive (35) Grandview Road and Farview Road (western intersection) Vehicles making left turn onto West Shore Drive must drive over adverse pavement slopes. - Farview Road is steep and follows a 15 percent grade down to Grandview Road. Sight distance is (30) Route 662 and Stitzel Lane adequate.

No problems are apparent. (36) Windsor Castle Road

(31) Route 662 and Ontelaunee Trail Embankment reduces sight distance of car making left into driveway. The sight distance is very Only 150’ of sight distance exists for vehicles minimal until turning vehicle crosses into making any turning movements at the intersection. opposing lane. A sharp dip 140’ east of the intersection causes limited sight distance. (37) Windsor Castle Road at Windsor Castle line

(32) Route 143 Bridge to Virginville - Road is winding and narrow, 16’ wide maximum. In some turns, the inside lane is narrower than the Bridge is 12’ wide. Traffic can only flow one outside lane by 1’ - 2’. direction at a time. (38) Route 662 and Dreibelbis Mill Road and Skyline Drive %ton weight Ii mi t. - All turning movements have 200’ sight distance. Traffic striping on Skyline Drive is undetectable. (33) Route 143 and Virginville Road Hump in South Skyline Drive impairs sight d istance. Vehicles making right onto Virginville Road must

l€ESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP A-4 /Or NT COM PREHENSWE PLAN APPENDIX B RESIDENTS' SURVEY RESULTS

1. I am a resident -landowner -in:

Resident 32 24 50 106 Landowner 31 32 58 121 2. How long have you lived in the Borough/Township? 43 42 76 161

Less than 1 year 2 % 1% .1 %

1-5 years 1 2 % 7 '10 1 3 % 1 1 %

6- 10 years 1 4 % 1 2 % 1 3 % 1 3 %

10-25 years 1 2 %I 2 1 % 30 '10 2 3 %

More than 25 years 60% 60% 42 'la 52% 3. Were you born here?

Yes 12 4 18 34 No 30 36 49 115 4. Please enter the number of people in each of the following: 93 96 188 3 77 . fl-lR 19% 1 1 % 1 6% 1 6% 19-24 j 1 % j 8 '10 I 5 % j 5 % 25-34 20 % 6 '10 1 5 % 1 3 % 35-44 1 1% 9 % 1 4 x 12 % 45-54 9 % 2 1 % 20 % 1 8 '10

55-64 1 5 % 1 5 % 1 5 % 1 5 %

65-74 1 5 % 2 3 '10 1 0% 1 4"Io

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COM PREH ENSIVE PLAN B-1 APPENDIX B RESIDENTS' SURVEY RESULTS

Leesport Ontelaunee Perry Question Borough Township Township Total

5. What is the total acreage of the land that you own rent in Borough/Township? 35 39 79 153 Less than 1 acre 100% 69% 34 '10 58 '10 1.1 - 5.0 acres 2 1 % 47% 2 9'10

5.1 - 10.0 acres 3 "lo 1 nlo

10.1 - 25.0 acres 3 OIO 4 VO 3 OIo

25.1 - 50.0 acres 3 OJO 3 OJO 2 OIo

50.1 - 100 acres I

More than 100 acres 6 '10 3 OIO

Don't know 3 OJO 3 % 2 %

6. How is your property presently used? Please rank all items below that apply. Rank the most used as 1.

Residential 1 1 1 Agriculture 2 2

Commercial 2 4

Industrial

Woodland I I 3 I 3 I Recreation 3 5

Other

7. Are there special features on your property that you consider noteworthy for their natural, historic, or other significance? If so, what are they?

Old Buildings I 1 I I 1 I

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP B-2 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX B RESIDENTS’ SURVEY RESULTS

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHlP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN B-3 APPENDIX B R €SI D EN TS’ SUR VE Y R ESUL TS

13. What type of agricultural operations are you engaged in?

14.Do you consider yourself a full-time farmer?

Yes 1 5

No 1 3

15. How many acres do you farm?

Less than 50 1

50-1 00 1 2

+ 100 4

I 16. What percentage of your family income would you say is derived from farming?

Less and 50% 2 3

More than 50% 5

II Yes 1 5 No

18. What is your primary water source? 41 41 81 163

Public water 100 OIO 22% 0 3 1 Oh

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP B-4 101 N T COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX B RESIDENTS' SURVEY RESULTS

19. If not a public water, have you ever experienced periods when your spring or well ran 30 79 109 dry? Yes 0 0 .o

No 100% 100% 100%

20. Do you use bottled water for drinking? 34 39 74 147

Yes 1 8 % 3 1 % 1 2 VO 1 8%

No 8 2 Oto 69% 88% 82% 2 1. Do you treat your water? 31 38 74 143 Yes 1 0% 39 '10 2 6 % 2 6 %

No 9 0 OtO 6 1 'Io 74 70 74 '10 22. Are you on public sewers? 40 40 74 154

Yes 100% 13 %o 1 "lo 30 '10

No 88 OIo 93 % 68%

Soon 5 OtO 3 OIO

How old is your septic system? 36 75 111

0-5 years I 6 'to I 4 '10

5-1 0 years 6 '10 2 1 Yo 16%

10-20 years 14 OIO 1 3 % 14 %

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN B-5 APPENDIX B RESIDENTS’ SURVEY RESULTS

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHlP 6-6 lOlNT COMPREHENSlVE PLAN APPENDIX B RESIDENTS’ SURVEY RESULTS

Hunting 7 4 3

Swimming 3 6 5 Winter sports 9 8 9

Biking 4 7 4 Team Sports 6 9 10 I

Hiking 8 10 8

Nature study 10 5 7

Gardening 2 1 1

24. List one or more recreation or leisure facilities you would like to see in the Boroughnownship that do not currently exist?

25. Please rank the following on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being most important:

Rural lifestyle 9 1 2 Peace and quiet 1 2 1 Good schools 3 5 4 Family ties 5 10 6

Natural beauty 7 4 3

Natural areas 11 3 5 Ag areas 10 8 7

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN B-7 APPENDIX B RES1D EN 7s’ SUR VE Y R ESU L TS

1 I I I I Leesport Ontelaunee Perry Question Borough Township Township Total

Public services 4 11 10

Emergency service 2 6 8 Economic opportunities 12 12 13

Shopping areas 6 7 11 Good transportation services 13 14 14

Recreational opportunities 14 13 12 I

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIPTERRY fO-WNSHlP B -8 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX B RESID EN TS' SUR VE Y RESU L TS

28. Are there any things that detract from the BoroughiTownship? I Weeds I 2 I I I I I I I Traffic 1

Poor sidewalks 3

Mushroom odors 2 I I I I High taxes 1

Unkept property 3 2

junk yards 1

Over building 3

29. Are emergency services in the BoroughiTownship adequate? 40 36 67 143

Yes 9 7 %, 97"h 9 6 Yo 9 7 Of"

No 3 "10 3 % 4 % 3 30. Name 3 things about the BoroughiTownship that have changed since you moved here? . Sewer and water 2

More homes/people 1 1 1 More businesses 3

More Traffic 3 2 2 Hieher Taxes 3 3

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP 101 N T COM PR EH ENSIVE PLAN B-9 APPENDIX B RESIDENTS’ SURVEY RESULTS

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP B - IO jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX B RESIDEN TS' SURVEY RESU L TS

Leesport Ontelaunee Perry Question Borough Township Township Total

36. Should there be additional industrial development in the Boroughflownship? 33 35 67 135

Yes 42% 37% 30 '10 3 5 VO

No 58'h 63'lo 70 'lo 6 5 'la

37. Do you have any additional thoughts, comments, or concerns? Please discuss them below or on additional sheets.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP )OlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN B - 11 APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE Benefits of Parks and Recreation

Seventy-nine percent of Pennsylvanians consider Decision-makers need good information to make outdoor recreational activities an important part of their informed decisions. Since parks and recreation are lives according to a recent statewide survey conducted relatively new functions of small municipalities, it is by the Department of Conservation and Natural important for decision-makers to be aware of the Resources. Parks and recreation facilities contribute to benefits of parks and recreation. The benefits show that the overall quality of life in the community. Research municipal spending on recreation is an investment shows that family life, health, and financial well-being rather than a cost. are the main contributors to overall life satisfaction. Recreation plays a central role in life satisfaction, and Economic Benefits consequently how citizens view their community. Property values are higher when located near open space Public recreation should be supported as an essential Tourism is a big business in Pennsylvania, generating more than community service in the same manner as public safety $16 billion dollars a year and supporting almost 300,000 jobs. such as police and-fire protection. In contrast to the For every dollar a municipality invests in recreation has a traditional regulatory and enforcement types of multiplier effect of 1.02 to 1.42 percent An area’s quality of life is more important than business factors municipal functions, recreation has the capacity to build alone when it comes to locating a business, according to the strong, healthy communities through leisure joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. opportunities. People value parks and recreation in communities - whether they actually use the facilities or Social Benefits not! 0 Recreation facilities are a great source of community pride. 0 Recreation opportunities deter crime, juvenile delinquency, and

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN c-1 APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

substance abuse. It costs $36,000 per year to incarcerate one 0 Investing in the environment through parks and open space in youth while communities in Pennsylvania spend only about $20 residential areas leads to an increase in property values through per capita on recreation. accessibility to environmentally friendly green spaces and the 0 Citizen satisfaction with a community depends to a large extent recreation opportunities available. on parks and recreation 0 While only six percent of the American public use wilderness 0 Sports help people develop self-esteem, more disciplined areas, 60 to 95 percent are willing to be taxed to preserve them. attitudes, greater awareness of health and hygiene, and confidence leading to the development of responsible.citizens. At a time when fiscal resources are scarce, anti-tax sentiment is high, and accountability to tax-payers is Personal Benefits crucial, it is important for decision-makers to be aware 0 Recreation has been found to be the single most important factor of these benefits. Recreation plays a broad role in the in building healthy families, the keystone of our society. quality of life in the community. Responding to the Every mile a person walks for exercise adds twenty minutes to personal, social, economic, and environmental needs of hidher life - and saves the Unites States 20 cents in health care costs, a finding of the Rand Corporation. the citizens as we approach the next century can be 0 Participation in leisure activities reduces anxiety and depression accomplished through parks, recreation, and the 0 People who use parks report their health as good to excellent provision of open space. while park non-users more frequently report fair to poor health. The three municipalities have different levels of park Environmental Benefits and recreation services. The nature of parks and Living close to natural environments enhances the quality of life recreation in each municipality is consistent wi h its of the residents. level of development; the more developed a 0 The most popular activity among Pennsylvanians is walking, an municipality, the higher the demand for parks and activity with the least impact on the environment. recreation services.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP c-2 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

Leesport Borough towards youth sports managed by community volunteers. The Perry Elementary School has outdoor Leesport, as a Borough, offers the most highly recreation facilities that include a basketball court, a developed of the three which is typical of urbanized playground, an al I-purpose field and indoor recreation small towns. The Borough provides parks, a variety of facilities including a library, gymnasium and community recreation facilities including a swimming pool, an all-purpose room. Township recreation needs are met historic lock house, and trails. The Borough also in part by the Borough of Shoemakersville. provides summer recreation programs, an aquatics Shoemakersville Park has a swimming pool and tennis program, and supports community volunteer efforts for court that are available to the residents of Perry organized sports. The Borough has a Parks and Township as well. Recreation Board that serves as a citizens advisory group to the Borough Council. Private and commercial recreation facilities in Perry Township include the Perry Township Golf Course and Perry Township the Perry Township Game Association, a shooting club. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania owns the Perry Township has a showcase community park, the Schuylkill Canal Five Locks property including lands Perry Recreation Area. With its ballfields, game courts, transferred to the state by the Township via the Berks playground, and picnic area, the Perry Recreation Area County Conservancy . is the hub of recreation in the Township. Volunteer efforts via the Perry Township Recreation Board and the Ontelaunee Township organized sports groups support the operation and maintenance of the park. Programs are directed Ontelaunee Township has no municipal parks and

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN c-3 APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

recreation areas. However, Lake Ontelaunee serves a Prix offers batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, mini- recreation facility for the Township. The City of golf, and a game room. Reading owns the 3,142 acre lake as its reservoir. Recreation opportunities at the Lake include fishing and PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE picnicking. At one time the Borough leased 29 acres of ASSESSMENT parkland but determined that maintenance costs exceeded the value of the land for recreation and gave The assessment of existing parks, recreation, and open up the lease. Recreation facilities on public school space in Leesport, Ontelaunee and Perry can be used to grounds at Schuylkill Valley Intermediate School and identify needs for the future and serve as the basis for Schuylkill Valley High School include basketball and developing strategies to address the needs. An tennis courts; baseball football, field hockey, soccer, assessment usually begins with a comparison of the softbal I and all-purpose fields. Indoor recreation existing parkland with an established set of standards facilities include gymnasiums, libraries, and all purpose for park acreage and recreation facilities. The standards community rooms. The Intermediate School also has an provide a guideline for the amount and service areas of indoor swimming pool. Ontelaunee citizens also make recreation areas that should be available locally and use of the programs and facilities in Leesport Borough. regionally.

Commercial recreation facilities in Ontelaunee Park and Recreation Standards Township include the Schellhammer Race Track, the Blue Falls Grove, and the Family Grand Prix. The race Standards established by the National Recreation and track offers cart racing. The Grove offers picnicking, Park Association (NRPA), the official organization of fishing, boating, swimming and game fields. The Grand public parks and recreation, offer the standards

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP c-4 lOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN generally accepted throughout the United States. The may link parks, schools, neighborhoods, and retail areas and provide recreational opportunities for biking, walking, standards express the minimal acceptable facilities for horseback riding, and cross country skiing. communities. The standards are a guide by which Special Use: Areas for single purpose recreational activities such as communities can set their own goals for parkland and golf courses, swimming pools, nature centers, outdoor recreation facilities. The NRPA has classified park and theaters, historic sites, etc. recreation facilities into seven classifications, these Conservancy: Areas for the protection and management of natural classifications are summarized below. environmental resources.

Regional: Larger natural areas for nature-oriented, passive recreation Table 1 presents the NRPA standards by which many experiences. Typical facilities may include: picnic areas, parks and open space are evaluated. No quantitative trails, nature centers, camping, boating, and/or fishing standards have been established to determine acreage facilities. needs for linear parks, special use facilities and Community: May include typical neighborhood park facilities, as well conservancy areas. These facilities are unique and as diverse recreation opportunities for both passive and characteristics are variable. Needed acreage depends active experiences. Active areas may include an athletic complex, swimming pool, courts, and age-segregated upon what is necessary to protect the resources and/or playgrounds. The park may include natural areas for provide maximum recreational use. hiking, bird watching, and nature study.

Neighborhood: Facilities provide opportunity for active recreation and may include athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Mini-Park: Specialized facilities that serve a limited population such as children or senior citizens. linear: Often called greenways these parks are natural and man- made corridors of public and private lands and water made available for recreational purposes. Linear parks

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN c-5 APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

Service Area Radius

Community Park 5.0 to 8.0 25 acres 1-2 miled5 min. drive

Regional Park variable 200+ acres 30 miles/l hr drive

Source: Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Association, 1983.

Berks County Open Space and Recreation Acreage falls in the urban classification. In Leesport, large tracts of Standards open space are scare although space for neighborhood or sub-neighborhood parks in available as shown in the Since the national standards are intended to be guides Borough’s recent negotiation for park land in a new which jurisdictions can use to customize their own development adjacent to Bern Township. The County standards to reflect special local circumstances, the Berks recommends that urban areas have many small parks of five County Planning Commission adapted the NRPA standards acres or less and a few larger parks for more passive for Berks County municipalities in consideration of urban, pursuits. According to County standards, Leesport meets the suburban, and rural population. Table 2 shows the standard of 7.9 acres with the Leesport Playground at 8 classification of municipalities according to population acres. However, the Borough is seeking additional parkland density. because of the great use the Leesport Park already has. The Borough is also pursuing trail development for which there While Leesport’s population is 1,270, the Borough’s density is no acreage standard.

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP C-6 IOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

Ontelaunee and Perry Townships are considered rural under Berks County standards. Since open space is the norm in rural communities, not including farmland, many rural residents satisfy their recreation needs on their own property. In contrast to neighborhood and sub-neighborhood parks, centrally located municipal parks for organized recreation activities should be available.

Both the NRPA and Berks County recommend a minimum of 6.25 acres per 1,000 persons for local public park land. In addition, Berks County recommends 15 acres of regional public park land per 1,000 persons.

Urban 2,500 + Leesport Suburban 500 to 2,499 NIA Rural less than 500 Ontelaunee, Perry

Berks County adapted these standards to reflect the unique rural characteristics found not only in Berks County but size and diversity of the communities in the county. The sometimes within each municipality. Table 3 presents the tailored standards reflect the mix of urban, suburban, and Berks County standards for acreage by park type.

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Table 3 imunity Classification

Classification Urban Park Acreage Suburban Park Acreage Rural Park Acreage

Minipark Local up to .5 NIA N/A Sub-neighborhood Local .5 - 5 NIA NIA Neighborhood Local 6- 15 up to 15 NIA Community Local 15+ 16-75 NIA Community1 Local NIA NIA 10-100 Municipal Metropolitan Regional NIA 75 + NIA Sub-Regional Regional NIA N/A loo+ Regional linear Regional N/A N/A 1,000 + Conservancy, NIA No Standard No Standard No Standard Special Use

The Planning Area will utilize both the NRPA standards and recreation lands will not be included in the the Berks County standards and the criteria specified below calculations for open space. to evaluate current and future open space needs: 0 Perry and Ontelaunee Townships desire community/ municipal park land at a minimum size of 10 acres a The Planning Area will seek to provide a minimum to serve residents living within two miles. of 6.5 acres of open space for 1,000 residents. a Leesport Borough desires community parkland at a 0 Public school recreation land and open space will minimum size of 15 acres to serve residents living not be included in the calculations for open space within one mile. requirements.

a Home-owners Association lands and other non-public

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e Special use and conservation land will not be e The tract should not contain stormwater included in the calculations for open space facilities designed to detain or retain requ irements. stormwater for another site. e The Planning Area will not accept any property for PARK AND RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY recreational use which does not meet the following criteria: Regional Parks e The land must be a minimum of 5 acres in County Parks, State Parks and State Game Lands serve as size (unless the intended use is for a special regional facilities and there are several located within a use park or linear park development). short drive of the municipality. Within 30 miles of The

e The land is configured to include natural Planning Ares are Nolde Forest, French Creek, Swatara, features worthy of preservation. Locust Lake, and Tuscarora State Parks., Also within the same distance are several State Game Lands and Blue Marsh e The land is easily and safely accessible for vehicles, pedestrians and/or bicycles. Lake. Within The Planning Area is Lake Ontelaunee, the water reservoir for the City of Reading and a regional park e A maximum of 15% of the tract can consist of offering passive recreation opportu n iti es. floodplain, wetlands, steep slopes, utility easements or rights-of-way, or other feature that renders the lot undevelopable for its Community Parks and Community/Municipal Parks intended recreation use. Leesport Playground is classified as a community park because of the wide variety of recreational facilities located e The tract should have accessibility to utilities there. The swimming pool is a facility that draws users from including, water, sewer and power unless deemed unnecessary by the Township for the the entire community. Perry Township Recreation Area is intended park facility development such as a community/municipal park facility. Ontelaunee Township greenway/linear park development. has no community/municipal parks.

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Neighborhood, Sub-Neighborhood, and Miniparks areas; Because of the small scale of Leesport Borough and the a Safe havens for the habitat and passage of associated management and maintenance issues that endangeredv species; accompany multiple small parks, within a municipality, neighborhood, su b-neighborhood, and minipark a Recreational and educational opportunities for the outdoor environment; classifications have not been analyzed or recommended for the Borough. a Linkages and connectors to people from urban and suburban areas to rural open spaces; and Linear Parks a Transportation pathways between residential areas, commercial areas, and schools and public facilities. Linear parks, trails and greenways are an important component of any park and recreation system. Community In 1987, the President's Commission on America's Outdoors surveys in Pennsylvania consistently show that trails and found that America's open spaces were losing ground to greenways are among the greatest interests of the citizens development at an alarming rate. The Commission made regarding preferred recreation faci Iities. G reenways benefit the following recommendations: "Communities should a community by providing: establish Greenways-corridors of private and public recreation lands and water-to provide people with access to a Open space preservation; open spaces close to where they live, and to link together the rural and urban spaces in the American landscape." a Buffer zones of non-developed land to protect This concept has been supported at the federal level by the sensi t ive water resources; creation of a National Trails System. At the state level, a Maintenance of natural filter systems which trap Pennsylvania has developed the Pennsylvania Trai Is pollutants prior to reaching streams and drainage Program. These initiatives have been further supported and

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP c-10 JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN =~m~m==mm=m=-~=~m~U APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN expanded through efforts at the county and local level. in developing the trail is that part of the desirable route goes Communities throughout the Commonwealth are developing along private property along the river and easements must trails and greenways as recreation facilities for their be obtained. residents. Since trail planning is a long term effort, the most immediate Leesport, Ontelaunee, and Perry are fortunate in being steps should be taken to heighten the awareness of the need located in the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor, a state for trails in the area before more development occurs. This Heritage Park designed to preserve the natural, cultural and awareness can be created through community walks and recreational resources along the Schuylkill River. The Park promotional efforts through the media. An immediate goal is a 128 mile long greenway extending through Schuylkill, should be to develop a loop trail in the Borough of Leesport Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties. The along the river and near Five Locks connecting the Leesport Heritage Park offers exciting opportunities for trails, Playground. The Leesport Jaycees have been active in this ecotourism, and open space protection for Leesport effort. Borough and Ontelaunee and Perry Townships. Special Use and Conservancy Lands The Schuylkill River Greenway and the National Park Service have conducted a number of planning studies Lake Ontelaunee is a 3,142 acre facility owned by the City designed to locate trails for biking to connect Hamburg with of Reading as a reservoir. It is considered a passive preserve. Reading through Perry, Ontelaunee, and Leesport. Plans Recreation facilities are minimal consisting of a few picnic such as the Leesport to Gibraltar Trail Plan developed by the tables. Park visitors can enjoy nature, picnic, fish, walk, and National Park Service in 1985 identify desirable routes. The birdwatch. It is anticipated that the passive, nature and goal is to keep the trail along back roads and the riverfront. preservation mission of this lake will continue in the future Where necessary, the trail could be located on highways as a function of its primary purpose as a water supply. that could be striped for bike lanes. One of the challenges

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The Fish Commission owns a 1.7 acre parcel of land at the Bern Bridge in Perry Township. The Schuylkill River Greenway is seeking private funding to construct a canoe launch ramp here.

Privately-Owned Parks or Recreation Facilities There are several privately-owned recreation facilities in The Planning Area as noted on Table 16 in Chapter 2. Significant among those listed are the Perry Township Golf Course and Blue Falls Grove.

Home-owners associations are another form of privately- owned recreation facility provider. There are currently no home-owners associations which provide recreation area in The Planning Area. Table 2 below identifies the parks and recreation open space of The Planning Area.

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SPATIAL PARK ANALYSIS cost of land becomes prohibitive. Many suburban Standards and Planning Considerations communities in the Commonwealth experienced a rapid rate of development that left them hard-pressed for adequate As communities in Pennsylvania experience growth and land to meet recreation needs as well as facing expensive development, it is important for rural and suburban bond issues for land acquisition. Even when growth appears communities to protect open space and obtain sufficient to be remote, it is important for municipalities to be vigilant recreation and park land to meet the future needs of the in their watch over growth patterns to assure the provision population before desirable locations are developed or the of adequate recreation lands for the future.

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Regional Parks standards. This trend results from expanding league and According to the Berks County Open Space and Recreation programming use of park, introduction of new sports, Plan, the County is well supplied in terms of regional expansion of seasons when sports are traditionally played, recreation acreage, although it is not distributed sufficiently. and the introduction of more girls to sports activities. However, in the Leesport, Ontelaunee, and Perry area, Blue Marsh lake and French Creek State Park meet regional Findings recreation needs by nature of their facilities, size, and convenient locations. Perry Township

Community and Community/Municipal Park Analysis The Perry Township Recreation Area is a The community park land needs of the municipalities have community/municipal park located in the western portion of been investigated. This analysis explored the recreational the Township which is currently providing for the recreation land acreage provided and its ability to meet the needs of needs of the municipality. existing and future populations. Table 5 applies the Perry Township is currently meeting the recreation needs of minimum standard of 6.25 acres of park land for each 1,000 its citizens and is projected to satisfy the acreage residents and illustrates the excess or deficit of park acreage requirement through the year 201 0 with consideration of the through the year 2010. minimum standard. The results of Table 6 indicate that by the NRPA standard an additional 10+ acres of park land Because 6.25 acres per 1,000 population is a minimum will be required by the year 2010. To meet this need a standard the analysis has also been completed utilizing the second community/municipal park is recommended for NRPA standard of 10 acres per 1,000 population as western Perry Township, north of Shoemakersville. This illustrated in Table 6. The NRPA standard reflects the area is designated for low, medium, and high density current trend in both urban and rural communities where residential use on the future land use map. more park land acreage is needed than promoted by the

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Leesport Borough 2010 is 9.8 acres and 15.71 acres for the minimum and NRPA standard respectively. The acquisition of a Leesport Borough is meeting the recreation need of the community/municipal park is recommended for Ontelaunee municipality in recreation acres with the recent acquisition Township to meet the park acreage deficit. The northern of the LeesporVBern Park. The development of the portion of Ontelaunee Township, east of Leesport Borough LeesporVBern Park should be prioritized to provide the is targeted for a community/municipal park. recreation opportunity of this acreage.

Ontelaunee Township

Ontelaunee Township has no community recreation land. The Township has the unique situation of having a large regional park within its boundary. Lake Ontelaunee provides passive recreational opportunities to residents of the Township. Additionally, the campus of the Schuylkill Valley School District is in Ontelaunee Township. The three schools of the campus provide community recreation facilities typically located in a community park. Although the school campus provides active recreation opportunities the use is not guaranteed for the future. School policies regarding access to recreation facilities can change and building expansion can reduce available acreage.

The park land need for Ontelaunee Township for the year

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II 2000 I 1.963 13.59

II 2000 I 1,453 I 9.1 I 0 I - 9.1 II

II 1990 I 2.516 19.88 2000 I 2,789 I 17.4 I 19.88 I + 2.48 II 2010 3,040 19 19.88 -+ 0.88 I

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II Table 6

II 1990 I 1,825 I 18.25 I 13.59 I - 4.66 II 2000 I 1,963 I 19.63 I 13.59 I - 6.04 2010 I 2,055 13.59 1 - 6.96 I I I I Ontelaunee Township

1990 1,359 13.59 0 - 13.59 2000 1,453 14.53 0 - 14.53 2010 1,571 15.71 0 - 15.71 I I I I Perry Township 1990 I 2,516 19.88 I - 5.28 II 2000 I 2,789 19.88 1 - 8.01 II 2010 I 3,040 I 30.4 I 19.88 I - 10.52

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Linear Park Analysis Townships and Leesport Borough.

0 Maiden Creek Corridor - This creek Analysis of linear parks in The Planning District involved the corridor in Ontelaunee Township links the following steps: Schuylkill River to Lake Ontelaunee.

Inventory of existing open space, parks, FACILITY STANDARD ANALYSIS and community interest area in the Township. The parks and recreation areas within The Study Area should be analyzed to determine if there are sufficient lnventory resources influencing the facilities to support the needs of the municipality's creation of a linear park such as streams, population. This analysis is completed by comparing the ridge tops, inactive/active railroads, number of existing facilities with the national standard easements and wide road rights-of-way. developed by the NRPA. Facility analysis will reveal if there are adequate numbers of game courts, playing fields 0 Identify areas that contain potential linear and swimming pools to meet community needs. The NRPA parks. standards are presented in Table 7. Findings

In The Planning Area the following greenways/trails were identified:

0 Schuylkill River Corridor - The Schuylkill River Greenway Association is currently planning a Heritage Park along the entire length of the Schuylkill River. This includes the river in Perry and Ontelaunee

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Badminton 1 per 5,000 1/4-1/2 mile

Basketball - Youth 1 per 5,000 1/4-1/2 mile - High School - Collegiate

Handball (34 wall) 1 per 20,000 15-30 minute travel time

ice Hockey Indoor-1 per 100,000 1/2-1 hour travel time Outdoor - depends on climate

Tennis 1 court per 2,000 1/4-1/2 mile

Volleyball I 1 court per 5,000 I 1/4-1/2 mile

Baseball - Official 1 per 5,000 - Little League Lighted - 1 per 30,000 1/4-1/2 mile

~~

Field Hockey 1 per 20,000 15-39 minutes travel time I ~~ ~ Football I 1 per 20,000 I 15-30 minutes travel time

Soccer 1 per 10,000 1-2 miles

Golf-Driving Range 1 per 50,000 30 minutes travel time

1IGMile Running Track 1 per 20,000 15-30 minutes travel time

Softball 1 per 5,000 (if also used for youth 1/4-1/2 mile baseball)

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Service Radius

Multiple Recreation Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis) 1 per 10,000 1-2 miles I 1 system per region NIA 11 Archery Range I 1 per 50,000 30 minutes travel time

Combination Skeet and Trap 1 per 50,000 30 minutes.travel time ll Field (8 station) Golf - Par 3 (18-Hole) - 9-Hole standard 1 per 25,000 112 to 1 hour travel time - 18-hole standard 1 per 50,000

Swimming Pools 1 per 20,000 (Pools should 15 to 30 minutes travel time accommodate 3 to 5% of total r- population at a time) 11 -Beach Areas NIA N/A

Source: National Recreation and Park Association, 1983.

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Tab1 b8 alysis for Year 20 0

Ontelaunee Perry Township Township Required by Required by Standard/ Standard1 Unit Provided1 Unit Providedl -Deficit -Deficit +Excess +Excess

11 Basketball 111IO 1101- 1 11-110

Tennis 1101- 1 1101- 1 2101-2

1101- 1 11110

Basebal I 111IO 1101- 1 1/2/+ 1

11 Soccer I 1101-1 I 1101-1 I 11110

Softball 1/2/+ 1 1101- 1 1101- 1

Findings recreation facilities were analyzed on a community-wide When the municipalities park and recreation facilities are basis for the year 201 0 and the results are tabulated in Table compared to the NRPA Facility Development Standards 8. It was determined that there is a general need for athletic based on population, needs emerge in the municipality for fields and game courts in the community. specific park facilities. Analysis of facilities must consider the context of the municipality and the trends and popularity of the sport which the facility serves. The

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School Recreation Facilit ies Citizen Recreation Interests

Generally school facilities are available for public recreation Berks County conducted a county-wide recreation survey to use. Organized sports groups can obtain permits for the determine citizen interests in parks and recreation. A survey regular use of recreation facilities on school property when of 2,000 households yielded a 23 percent return, more than the facilities are not being used for school-related purposes. twice normally generated in a mail survey. Table 9 presents Individuals can use these outdoor facilities when ihey are the top five facility and program preferences of the not in use by groups. While school recreation facilities are respondents of the survey. in important sourck of recreation opportunities for communities, they are not used in calculating the facility needs because their primary purpose is to support the educational functions of the schools. The protection of the recreation facilities on school grounds is also not guaranteed in the future although it may reasonably be assumed that they will continue to be provided.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Typically in rural areas such as Berks County, recreation programs and services are minimal. Community organizations and volunteers pitch in to provide community recreation services. Such services are targeted primarily at summer, youth sports and special events. Leesport, Ontelaunee, and Perry offer a mix of services.

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Hikinwalking trails Bicycle Trails Holiday Events/Festivals/Concerts Natural Areas Arts and Crafts/Hobbies Picnic Areas and Pavilions Senior Citizen Programs Indoor Recreation Space Aerobics/Adult ExerciseNeight Training

Findings of the survey include: Leesport

63 percent of respondents use local parks The Borough of Leesport with the Leesport Playground has Local parks are the most frequently used of all park facilities conducive to running a full-service summer facilities in the County recreation program and three season sports leagues. Leesport The most important recreation and park needs were: also serves citizens from Ontelaunee Township. Programs trails, protection of natural areas, more recreation include: facilities closer to home Respondents saw a more pressing need for indoor Swimming recreation facilities than additional outdoor facilities Generally people are satisfied with public recreation The Leesport Pool is open from June through Labor Day. facilities; the facility preferences are consistent with this The pool has about 100 members who purchase a season finding as they are the least available in Berks County. pass for less than $100. Pool programs include recreational swimming and instructions.

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Playground Program Special Events

The summer playground program attracts children from ages Community special events are organized by organizations six through 12. In 1996, there were about 110 participants such as the Jaycees. Special events include a Halloween with daily attendance at about 30. Instructors offer a variety parade and community walks. of programs, games, arts 7 crafts, and special events. Participation trends appear to be stable.. Schuylkill Valley Community f ibrary

Bingo In addition to supplying reading materials, the library offers programs such as storytime and special events to encourage Operated by a private organization at the Leesport reading through leisure activities. Playground, proceeds from bingo fund the parks and recreation budget. It is very popular as shown in the $700 Self-Directed Activities proceeds from the month of March that went to parks and recreation. The Borough’s goal is to provide recreation facilities which the citizens can enjoy for their own self-directed activities. Leesport Athletic Association To that end, the Borough has negotiated with a developer for land on which to build a neighborhood park. The The LAA controls the Leesport Playground playing fields. Borough directs its capital improvement program to They schedule all games and perform maintenance enhancing existing faci Iities. functions. The LAA operates a concession stand which produces revenues to offset their costs. Sports offered In keeping with the top leisure interests of the citizens: include little league, girls softball, football, and basketball. walking and biking, the Borough is working to develop trails for walking and biking in partnership with the Schuylkill

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River Greenway. baseball fields. It is anticipated that there will be a greater demand for soccer in the future and field considerations Perry Township must be made for soccer. Participant numbers were not avai Iab Ie. Perry Township offers outdoor recreation programs at the Perry Recreation Area. Volunteers run the programs and Volleyball provide facility maintenance. Programs include the following: The Recreation Board offers volleyball on Tuesday evenings. Participant numbers are not available. Girls Softball Swimming About 100 girls participate in the girls softball league. The league is incorporated and serves girls 8 to 17. Perry Township residents use the swimming pool at Shoemakersville Park. Residents purchase a seasonal pass. Baseball Self-Directed Activities The baseball league serves primarily boys as well as younger girls who play tee ball on coed teams. About 48 The Perry Township Recreation Board is interested in participants were involved in 1996. establishing trails consistent with the Schuylkill River Heritage Corridor Plans. A potential canoe launch near the Soccer Bern Bridge would provide a boating opportunity on the river. Soccer is a relatively new and growing sport in Perry Township. It is played in the fall on the outfield of the

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Volunteerism Development Ordinance.

The Lions Club, the Boy Scouts, and the Recreation Board Mandatory Dedication of Land: Section 503(11) of the MPC participate in volunteer activities in the Perry recreation enables municipalities to require the mandatory dedication Area. These activities include capital improvements, of land from developers for park and recreational purposes. maintenance, and programs. To comply with the legislation, the Township must meet these requirement: Ontelaunee Township 1. Adopt a recreation plan that establishes Ontelaunee Township, as a very rural community, offers no open space standards and park service recreation programs. Citizens use the Schuylkill Valley areas, identifies areas in need of open space, and includes a capital improvement Schools and the Borough of Leesport for recreation program. activities. They also use the commercial recreation facilities available at the Family Grand Prix and the Race Track. 2. Develop a mandatory dedication ordinance that contains definite standards MANDATORY DEDICATION OF LAND for determining the portion of a development to be dedicated and the amount of any fee to be paid in lieu of One mechanism that many municipalities use to ensure that land. future residents have adequate park and recreation opportunities is to require developers to dedicate public 3. Create a separate interest bearing account for the placement of any collected fees. open space within proposed developments. Each of the three municipalities does include provisions for mandatory dedication of park land in its Subdivision and Land

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The Planning Area municipalities should consider increasing L.B. - 10 acres/400 dwellings = .025 acres their mandatory dedication amount as justified by the following calculations: O.T. - 10 acred400 dwellings = .025 acres

The municipalities (L.B. = Leesport Borough, O.T. = Ontelaunee Township, P.T. = Perry Township) have P.T. - 10 acres1358 dwellings = .028 acres developed a goal of providing 10 acres of park land per 1,000 residents. To derive a per unit calculation, the 1,000 Therefore, a subdivision of 50 homes would require a net population figure is divided by the municipality’s 1990 U.S. 1.25 acres of park land in Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee

Census average household size. (L. B. = 2.5, O.T. = 2.5 Township and 1.4 acres of parkland in Perry Township. and P. T. = 2.79). The following calculation results. As an alternative to land dedication, a developer can pay a L.B. - 1,000/2.5 persons per dwelling unit fee. This approach can only be used in those instances = 400 dwellings. where the developer agrees to the alternative. To relate the open space requirement to a fee, the municipalities should O.T. - 1,000/2.5 persons per dwelling unit require the fair market value of the land to be dedicated. = 400 dwellings. Using the above example, for a 50-unit subdivision, the developer would provide the municipality with an appraisal P.T. - 1,000/2.79 persons per dwelling of the 1.25-acre in Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee

unit = 358 dwellings. Township and the 1.4 acre parcel in Perry Township. If the land was appraised at $30,000 per acre, then the Leesport Dividing this number by the desired 10 acres per 1,000 and Ontelaunee would accept the $37,500 and Perry residents goal yields this amount of land. $42,000 as its fee in lieu of the land dedication.

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Another method used for ca,lculating fee contributions is to maintaining, and financing public recreation and park require a flat fee per lot of a proposed subdivision. facilities. In an era of scarce resources, it is impossible for Following through with the above example, the following municipalities to provide all of the services and facilities that calcu Iat ions resu Its: residents would like. Consequently, jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania are exploring alternative ways of providing

L.B. - 1 acrd.025 = 40 dwellings. public recreation than through tax dollars alone. Other options include partnerships, volunteerism, fundraising, O.T. - 1 acrd.025 = 40 dwellings. private sector involvement, and joint ventures with other communities.

P.T. - 1 acrd.028 = 36 dwellings. Leesport Borough

L.B. - $30,000/40 = $750. Management O.T. - $30,000/40 = $750. Leesport Borough operates with a citizen advisory group for

P.T. - $30,000/36 = $833. parks and recreation. The Parks and Recreation Board has nine members including the Mayor and representatives of The fee calculation per unit in the example is $750 for the Borough Council. The Board operates under an Leesport Borough and Ontelaunee Township and $833 per ordinance that specifies roles, responsibilities, mission, and dwelling unit for Perry Township. The per lot fee is set by terms of office. The Board makes recommendations to the the municipality and adopted by resolution. Borough Council which has the policy making authority for parks and recreation. The Public Works Department MANAGEMENT AND FINANCING provides maintenance. Maintenance of ballfields is provided by citizen volunteers from the Leesport Athletic Association. Municipalities are responsible for planning, directing, A seasonal recreation staff is hired for the summer

/!€€SPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP C-2 8 jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN playground program and the pool. The Borough hires a or programs. Any management functions should deal with Summer Playground/Pool Manager to oversee these supportingvolunteer efforts, coordination with the Schuylkill functions. The Manager provides an annual report of River Greenway for trails development, and planning efforts recommendations for the Borough to consider. consistent with assuring adequate recreation facilities and park land in the future as the area develops or citizens Financing interest is indicated.

The Borough of Leesport had an operating budget for Parks Financing and Recreation of $42,100. This amount has been stable over the last five years; increases have been consistent with There is no parks and recreation budget in Ontelaunee cost of living increases. Of this amount, 51 percent is Township generated through non-tax sources while 49 percent is invested through tax dollars. The operating budget Perry Township represents per capita spending of about $23 which is above the average per capita expenditure of Pennsylvania Management municipalities for parks and recreation. Generating over half of the budget through fees and charges is a notable Perry Township has a Recreation Board. The Recreation accomplishment for Leesport Borough. Board should operate within the parameters set forth in the Commonwealth’s codes for townships of the second class. Ontelaunee Township The code specifies roles, functions, mission, responsibilities, and terms of office. The Perry Township Recreation Board Management services in an advisory capacity. The Board makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding The Township Supervisors oversee all municipal functions. parks and recreation. As a rural community, there are no parks, recreation areas,

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The Township has been forward thinking in contracting out Corridor offers immense potential for the development of a mowing functions. Contracting out such a function is a cost- greenway and trails. The preservation of natural resources efficient way of doing park mowing. The Township does and the development of trails are the most important trash pick-up at the Perry Recreation Area. Volunteers from interests among the citizenry of Berks County according to the Recreation Board, the Lions Club, the Boys Scout and a recent survey conducted by the Berks County Planning citizens do other park maintenance and improvements. Commission .

Financing Generally the municipalities appear to satisfied with the current parks and recreation opportunities. The Borough of According to the 1992 Local Government Financial Statistics Leesport offers the most highly developed facilities in produced by the Pennsylvania Department of Community Leesport Playground and is seeking to expand facilities in Affairs, Perry Township spent $12,340 on parks and neighborhood parks in new housing developments, by recreation. This was about $5 per capita. It is important to improving existing facilities, and through the development consider that this is a rural community and that the of trails for biking and cycling. The Borough does an municipal investment is complemented by extensive exceptional job of raising more than half of its recreation volunteer efforts. operating budget through fees, charges, volunteerism, and donations. Perry Township’s recreation opportunities thrive CONCLUSIONS on the efforts of volunteers and creative approaches to maintenance management. Because of its rural nature, Leesport, Ontelaunee, and Perry are located in one of the Ontelaunee Township has minimal services. As in most rural most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. The area is characterized areas, the residents provide their own recreation or seek by rural agrarian charm, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes. opportunities in neighboring communities and commercial The Borough of Leesport serves as a small town hub that enterprises. offers businesses, shopping, historic, cultural, and recreation amenities. The location in the Schuylkill River Heritage Given the rural nature of the area and the small town of

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP C-3 0 IOINT COM PREH ENSIVE PLAN APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

Leesport, several opportunities in parks, recreation, and Townships should identify and consider the acquisition of open space can be considered as follows: land before land is developed or land values exorbitant. While this may not occur for many years, the communities Natural Resource Protection should be watchful.

The rural agrarian character should be protected from Recreation Facilities sprawling development. This should be considered in the overall comprehensive plan for the municipalities. The first order of business in recreation facilities is insuring safe, clean and attractive appearance. All facilities should Greenways and Trails meet public safety standards. Additions and improvement is to recreation facilities should be made consistent with Working with the Schuylkill River Greenway will provide changing interests, recreation trends, and emerging great assistance to the municipalities in developing opportunities. All three municipalities have limited funds greenways and trails here. A number of planning efforts and will need to rely on grants, private sector support, already been undertaken could help to launch the partnerships, and fundraising. There appears to be an development of trials. Trails for walking an cycling are the interest in year round indoor recreation according to the top interest of citizens according to surveys across the Berks County recreation survey. Working with the School Commonwealth of Pennsylvania District could be an avenue of providing indoor recreation opportunities for the citizens. Parkland Planning and Grants Because Perry and Ontelaunee are still rural, the Townships are in the enviable position of being able to identify parcels Each municipality should have a plan for parks, recreation, of land that would make good community parks. In and open space that examines the issues and provides accordance with the Berks County Recreation Plan, the recommendations in depth. While Leesport, Ontelaunee,

LEESPORT BOROUGH - ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP - PERRY TOWNSHIP jOlNT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN c-3 1 APPENDIX C RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

and Perry are of different sizes and at different levels in the Leesport, Ontelaunee, and Perry. While municipal provision of public recreation, joint planning efforts could operations a small in scale, elected officials should continue be considered. Community recreation plans would enable their efforts in recognizing and supporting the volunteers. the municipalities to be more competitive for grants under The Borough of Leesport regularly thanks people in the PennsyIvan ia’s Keystone Community Grant Program. community for their assistance. Appreciation goes a long Keystone provides grants for acquisition and development of way! parks and recreation facilities, feasibility studies for recreation facilities, and planning grants for parks and LEESPORT BOROUGH, ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP recreation plans. AND PERRY TOWNSHIP PARK AND RECREATION RECOMMENDATIONS Partnerships COAL: To provide parks and recreation facilities at Because of the scarce resources, partnerships with an adequate level of service that ensures municipalities, the school district, the Schuylkill River equitable distribution and access to all Greenway, and the private sector should be considered. citizens throughout the community. Examples include Perry Township working with Shoemakersville on the swimming pool and tennis court and OB IECTIVES possibly expanding recreation facilities near Shoemakersville. Regional recreation efforts make sense in Objective 1 terms of providing effective public services at the lowest Continue to assess community recreation needs and cost. maximize the use of existing park facilities given the expanding needs and interests of the community. Volunteer ism Recommendations Volunteers are the backbone of parks and recreation in

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